State Approved Course

New York Defensive Driving Course Online

Unlock Your Member Savings: Get 10% Off Today!

Drive confidently with our New York state-approved AARP Smart Driver course
Refresh your driving skills anytime from your smartphone, tablet, or computer
New York drivers reported saving an average of $200 per year—that’s about $600 over 3 years!^†
Reduce up to 4 points on your license every 18 months*

AARP Member Price (Save 10%!) $26.95
Non-member Price $29.95^‡

AARP Driver Safety:

45 Years Educating Drivers with
Award-Winning Curriculum

AARP Smart Driver Online Course honored with the Platinum AVA Digital Award for excellence.

AARP Smart Driver Online Course—recipient of the MARCOM Gold Award for excellence.

AARP Smart Driver Online Course curriculum earns Bronze at The Telly Awards.

AARP Smart Driver Course is highly rated by participants

Survey says smarter driving pays off. People who took our defensive driving course had this to say:

The AARP Smart Driver online course received a 4.0-star average rating from participants who were asked if taking the course helped increase their driving confidence.

Average course rating

Saved money on auto insurance^§

Course Description

Course Length

Complete the New York AARP Smart Driver™ online course in just six hours. Work through it at your own pace, whenever it’s convenient for you. You’ll have 30 days to finish once you register.

Curriculum

Learn how to stay safe, confident, and independent behind the wheel with topics that matter most to New York drivers:

Refresh your driving knowledge and defensive driving skills
Understand how aging, health, and new car technology impact your safety
Master safe driving strategies for everyday and emergency situations
Explore when it may be time to adjust your driving—or consider other options
Earn your state-approved completion certificate for potential insurance savings and point reduction

Learning Format

This course is designed for real-life drivers, with an experience that’s:

Interactive – Videos, quizzes, and scenario-based activities keep learning engaging
Flexible – Pick up right where you left off, anytime within your 30-day window
Practical – Simple tips and proven strategies you can use immediately on the road
Recognized – Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate accepted by New York insurers and the DMV

FAQs

What is defensive driving?

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

How do New York driving violation points work?

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.

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 $200 per year—that’s about $600 over 3 years^†.

Plus, you could reduce up to 4 points on your license every 18 months*.

Retake the Course

Over 20 million Smart Drivers and counting

*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.

**You are able to receive a refund if for any reason you do not complete the course or do not wish to continue it. You will have 60 days (30 days in NY and CT) from the date of registration to request that a refund be credited back to your credit card account.

§Data derived from online course participants. AARP Research. 2023 AARP Driver Safety Smart Driver™ Course Evaluation. July 2023

†According to a 2024 survey conducted by AARP and American Directions Research Group of 1,522 New York course participants, on average New York drivers insuring two vehicles reported saving an estimated $100 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.

^‡Price shown does not include the required $5 New York DMV processing fee.