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!
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.
FAQs
What is defensive driving?
How do New York driving violation points work?
How long is the New York 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 $170 per year—that’s about $510 over 3 years†.
Plus, you could reduce up to 4 points on your license*.
*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.