AARP Driving Course for Seniors: Refresh Your Skills and Stay Safe

According to the U.S. CDC, motor vehicle crashes result in almost 540 older adults sustaining injuries each day. Senior drivers, particularly those in their 70s, have higher fatal crash rates than their younger or middle-aged counterparts.

Yes, older adults are more vulnerable to crashes and injuries. However, this doesn't automatically mean they should no longer drive, or it's unsafe for them to do so. By arming themselves with the knowledge that the AARP Driving Course for Seniors can impart, they can "re-equip" themselves with the skills and strategies needed to face the challenges of maneuvering today's busy roads.

Join us today as we explore AARP driver's safety courses that can help older adults continue enjoying driving while remaining safe.

A Quick Note on AARP

AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, is a non-profit org advocating for and delivering services for people 50 and older. AARP offers many opportunities to older adults, including:

• Community service projects
• Exercise classes
• Arts and crafts programs
• Educational workshops

While AARP requires a membership fee, it's inexpensive; as CBS News reports, the undiscounted yearly price is $16. For this small amount, you or your older loved one can unlock many cost-saving opportunities, including those for insurance products and the organization's older adult driving course.

What Is the AARP Driving Course for Seniors?

AARP offers and has helped design several educational courses and workshops discussing safe driving for seniors. They include:

• The AARP Smart Driver course
• The AARP Driver Safety workshops
• CarFit

Let's explore these programs designed to provide driver education for seniors.

The AARP Smart Driver Course

The AARP Smart Driver course is an educational course that participants can attend online or in person. If you or your loved one completes it, you'll learn practical senior driving tips to hone your existing skills, become a safer driver, and feel more confident while you sit behind the wheel.

According to the South Carolina Department on Aging, the course costs $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Some of the topics covered include the following:

• Current road rules and regulations, including state-specific laws
• Critical defensive driving techniques
• How to minimize driver distractions
• The proper way to use safety belts, airbags, and new vehicle safety technology, such as anti-lock brakes
• Savvy strategies for pulling off left turns and navigating roundabouts
• Tips for maintaining proper following distances

In addition to those driving-related topics, the AARP Smart Driver course teaches tactics for adjusting to age-related physical changes that could affect driving abilities. You or your older loved one will even learn how medications can affect driving skills!

The AARP Driver Safety Workshops

AARP also offers live and virtual Driver Safety workshops. The educational programs share tips to help you or your older loved one drive or commute safely from point A to B, whether you want to go sightseeing or enjoy your weekly dining out activities.

First, we have the AARP Smart DriverTEK workshop. The program teaches participants about vehicle safety technologies and how they make driving more enjoyable and safer.

Some workshops educate about using app-based ride-sharing services. For instance, you can learn about Lyft and Uber and how to use them when you need to travel but don't want to drive.

If you worry about whether your aging loved one can still safely drive, consider attending AARP's "We Need to Talk." The free online seminar helps family members assess their older loved one's driving skills and provides resources for discussing this crucial topic.

CarFit Workshops

CarFit is an educational program developed by AARP, the American Automobile Association (AAA), and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). It provides free education on in-vehicle safety features, explaining how they work and how to adjust them to suit a driver's physique better.

Occupational therapy professionals participate in CarFit events. So, by attending one, you or your older loved one can discuss driving safety and mobility options with experts.

Benefits of Attending AARP Driving Courses for Seniors

The wealth of knowledge shared in AARP driving courses can help older adults drive better, safer, and more confidently. Indeed, according to a survey conducted by the non-profit organization, 80% of the 800 poll participants said they were confident before enrolling in the course, which increased to 89% after completing the program. Attendees also displayed a better understanding of traffic rules and the most typical mistakes senior drivers make.

Safe and confident driving also empowers older adults to keep driving and retain some semblance of independence. The more things they can do independently, the better for senior mental health. And, of course, safe driving minimizes their risk of getting into injury-causing crashes.

Aside from the above, here are other perks of enrolling in the AARP Smart Driver course.

Auto Insurance Discounts

Many states offer auto insurance discounts to drivers who complete the AARP Smart Driver course. Some states even make these price reductions mandatory, so insurance companies must provide them to policy buyers or holders. Even in states where discounts aren't compulsory, some insurance companies offer them voluntarily.

So, check your state's regulations on these discounts and your insurance provider, as you may qualify for these cost-saving deals.

Point Reduction

Some states have point reduction programs allowing drivers to deduct points from their records if they improve their driving habits and records, such as by attending defensive driving courses. An example is the New York State Driver Point and Insurance Reduction Program. If you or your older loved one has driving points, completing the AARP Smart Driver course may allow you to subtract up to four points from your record.

Keep Driving Safely

The AARP Driving Course for Seniors can be a valuable yet affordable tool for older adults to enjoy driving safely and for longer. Plus, it can open up opportunities to save on auto insurance or reduce driving points. All these perks should be compelling enough for you or your older loved one to enroll in the program.