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New York, New York skyline at night
  • You could qualify for a 10% discount on your New York auto insurance for 3 years.*
  • New York drivers like you saved an average of $170 per year. That’s about $510 over 3 years!†
  • You could reduce up to 4 points on your license by completing the course.*


Complete Your New York Defensive Driving Course Online

Refresh your driving skills from the comfort of your home —you could even save on auto insurance! REGISTER »

Why take our New York defensive driving course online?

Well, for starters, the AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers over 50. This New York state-approved driver safety course is designed to help you refresh and improve your driving skills so you can become safer and more confident behind the wheel. Best of all, by completing this convenient defensive driving online course, you could save on your auto insurance and reduce the number of points on your New York driving record.

Driving safely and defensively in New York

Driving safely is important in any state, but this is especially true in New York. From the stop-and-go craziness of the city to the toll roads and open spaces upstate, the conditions can vary greatly—especially when you factor in the harsh winters. That’s where we can help.

New York Point Reduction program

The New York State Driver Point Reduction Program allows drivers to reduce points on their driving record and improve their driving habits. A defensive driving course is designed to boost driving skills while reducing the number of crashes on the road.

Drivers must complete a state-approved defensive driving course. Once they’ve submitted their certificate of completion to the New York State DMV, the points on their driver's record may be reduced by up to four points. This is a one-time benefit and cannot be used to reduce points for future violations.

AARP Smart Driver course highlights

Become a more confident driver with techniques that help keep you safe on the road.

This easy-to-follow, self-paced defensive driving course covers:

  • Safe driving strategies.
  • How to reduce driver distractions.
  • Proper use of safety belts, airbags, anti-lock brakes, and new car technology.
  • Techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts.
  • State-specific rules and regulations in 19 key areas.
  • How to maintain a proper following distance.
  • Tips for adjusting to age-related physical changes.
  • The effects of medication on driving.

FAQ

Defensive driving is more than wearing a seatbelt—it’s a set of techniques aimed at reducing the risk of crashes on the road. It involves being aware of potential hazards and taking proactive measures to avoid them. Tactics include:

  • Managing your speed and following distance
  • Expecting the unexpected
  • Staying alert and free of distractions
  • Scanning the road for potential dangers
  • Anticipating actions of other drivers

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a point system to track and penalize drivers who commit traffic violations. The system is designed to encourage safe driving behavior and to identify drivers who may be at higher risk of causing accidents. Here's how it works:

  • Each traffic violation is assigned a point value. For example, speeding 1-10 mph over the limit is 3 points, etc.
  • 6 or more points accumulated within 18 months will require a fee. 11 or more points could result in a suspended license. Accumulating points could result in higher insurance.
  • Points stay on your driving record for 18 months. However, the actual violation itself may remain on your driving record.
  • You could reduce up to four (4) points on your driving record by completing a state-approved defensive driving course.

The AARP Smart Driver online course is six (6) hours in total for New York drivers. It can be taken at your own pace—whenever works best for you. You will have 30 days to complete the course once you register.

Still wondering if it’s right for you?

Don’t forget—upon completion, you could get a 10% discount on auto insurance*. New York drivers like you saved an average of $170 per year—that’s about $510 over 3 years†.

Plus, you could reduce up to 4 points on your license*.

REGISTER »

New York, New York skyline at night
  • You could qualify for a 10% discount on your New York auto insurance for 3 years.*
  • New York drivers like you saved an average of $170 per year. That’s about $510 over 3 years!†
  • You could reduce up to 4 points on your license by completing the course.*
AARP Smart Driver™ Online Course

Sign up now and conveniently finish the course within the next 30 days.

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*Upon completing this course, and if you are the principal operator of a motor vehicle, you may receive a 10% reduction in the base rate of your automobile liability and collision insurance premiums each year for three years. You may be eligible to reduce as many as four points on your driving record. Point reduction can only be credited once every 18 months and does not affect actions mandated by statute or revocations already in place. Other restrictions may apply. Consult your agent for details. Upon registration, you have 30 days to complete the course at your own pace.

†According to a 2019 survey conducted by AARP and American Directions Research Group of 808 New York course participants, New York drivers insuring two vehicles saved an average of $170 on their auto insurance premium after taking the AARP Smart Driver™course, based on a 6-month policy. Savings may vary for each course participant based on other factors, including the number of drivers in the household, other applicable discounts such as combined home/auto policies, and variations in premium costs due to the value of each car and individual driving histories. Other restrictions may apply. Consult your agent for details regarding your potential savings.