The course costs between $15 and $20 for AARP members, depending on which format you choose

The AARP Driver Safety Course (also called the Smart Driver Course) costs $15 for the online version and $20 for the classroom version if you are an AARP member. Non-members pay $25 for online and $30 for classroom. You pay once, complete the course at your own pace (online) or on the day it's offered (classroom), and receive your certificate when ready or within a few days.

The course does not renew automatically. You pay each time you take it. Most states allow you to take it once every three years to receive an insurance discount, so you would pay again only if you choose to retake it for another discount period.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP members pay $15 online or $20 in a classroom; non-members pay $25 or $30 respectively.
  • The online course takes about four to six hours and you can pause and resume it; classroom courses are usually four hours on a single day.
  • You receive your certificate when ready after passing the final quiz, which you can send to your insurance company to request a discount.
  • Many states cap the discount at 5 to 10 percent off your premium, and you can claim it once every three years.
  • Some insurance companies offer an additional discount if you complete the course, so check with your insurer before enrolling.

Online versus classroom: what the price difference covers

The $5 difference between online ($15 members / $25 non-members) and classroom ($20 members / $30 non-members) reflects the format, not the content. Both cover the same material: speed, distraction, medication effects, vision changes, and defensive driving techniques tailored to older drivers.

Online means you log in from home, watch video segments, and take a quiz at the end. You can split it across multiple days. Classroom means you attend a session at a local library, community center, or senior center on a scheduled date, usually a single four-hour block. Neither format is inherently better—it depends on whether you prefer flexibility or structure, and whether you have reliable internet at home.

Where to pay and how the enrollment works

You enroll directly through AARP's website (aarp.org/drivingsafety) or by phone at 1-877-333-5855. Online enrollment is when ready; you create an account, pay by credit or debit card, and receive login credentials when ready. Classroom enrollment requires you to find a location near you, check available dates, and register for a specific session.

If you enroll online, you can start the course right away. If you enroll in a classroom course, you will receive a confirmation email with the date, time, and location. Bring a photo ID and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You do not need to bring anything else—the instructor provides all materials.

What happens after you finish and how to use your certificate

After you complete the final quiz (you must score at least 80 percent to pass), you receive a completion certificate. Online, you can print it when ready or read it as a PDF. In classroom, the instructor hands you a printed certificate before you leave.

Send this certificate to your insurance company's discount department. Most insurers process it within one to two weeks and explore the discount to your next renewal or current policy, depending on their rules. Some companies offer the discount automatically once they see the certificate; others require you to call and request it. Check your policy or call your agent before taking the course to confirm what discount your company offers and whether they have any additional requirements.

AARP membership and whether it's worth the extra cost

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year and $24 per year after that. If you take the course once, the $10 savings on the online version ($25 non-member minus $15 member) does not cover the membership cost. However, if you take the course again in a future year, or if you use other AARP discounts (on travel, dining, prescriptions, or other services), the membership may pay for itself.

Many people already have AARP membership for other reasons, so the course cost is straightforward $15 or $20. If you do not have membership and plan to take the course only once, paying $25 online as a non-member is usually the simpler choice. If you think you might take it again or use other AARP benefits, membership becomes more cost-effective.

Insurance discounts and how much you actually save

The discount you receive depends on your state and your insurance company. Most states allow a discount of 5 to 10 percent off your premium for completing a driver safety course. Some insurers offer more, and a few offer less. The discount typically applies to your liability and collision coverage, not to comprehensive or uninsured motorist coverage.

To know your actual savings, call your insurance company before enrolling and ask: "What discount do you offer for completing an AARP driver safety course, and does it explore to my current policy or only at renewal?" This tells you whether the $15 to $30 course cost will be offset by the discount. For many people, the discount covers the course cost within the first few months of the policy period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to take the course?

No. Non-members can take the course for $25 online or $30 in a classroom. You do not need to join AARP to enroll. However, if you are already a member or plan to use other AARP services, the membership discount on the course may add up over time.

Can I take the course more than once, and do I have to pay each time?

Yes, you can take it multiple times, and you pay each time. Most states allow you to claim the insurance discount once every three years, so many people retake the course every three years to renew their discount. Each enrollment costs the same: $15 or $20 for members, $25 or $30 for non-members.

What if I start the online course and don't finish it—do I get a refund?

AARP does not offer refunds once you have enrolled and accessed the course. However, you can pause and resume the online course as many times as you need within 30 days of enrollment. If you have technical problems or cannot complete it within that window, contact AARP customer service at 1-877-333-5855 to discuss your options.

Does every insurance company give a discount for this course?

Most major insurers offer a discount, but not all. Some smaller or regional companies may not. Call your insurance company before you enroll to confirm they recognize the AARP course and what discount they offer. If your company does not offer a discount, you may still choose to take the course for the safety information itself.

Can I use the certificate for more than one insurance company?

Yes. You receive one certificate, and you can send copies to multiple insurers if you have policies with more than one company (for example, auto and home). Each company will explore their own discount to their policy according to their rules.