if you are at least 55 and complete a DMV-approved “mature driver improvement course.” You can find and enroll in one of these courses by visiting the DMV website and confirming that you are eligible with your insurance provider.
are required to offer the mature driver improvement course discount to seniors, but discount percentages and eligibility vary depending on your provider and your driving record.
The California DMV maintains a list of approved courses online, but you’ll need to double-check with your insurance company before you enroll.
A first-time mature driver improvement course lasts at least 400 minutes and costs no more than $30.
A course completion certificate will cost you $1.
Seniors can earn an insurance discount by taking an online defensive driving course for mature drivers
Drivers in the state of California who are over 55 years old can take a DMV-approved “mature driver training course” in exchange for a
. Discount amounts and eligibility depend on your insurance company, so contact your insurance agent before you sign up.
Classes can be completed either in person or online, and there are more than 70 courses approved by the California DMV. Online defensive driver training allows you to learn at your own pace, but some drivers benefit from hands-on support.
How to find a mature driver training course in California
Contact your insurance provider to confirm that you are eligible for this discount and verify that they will accept the course.
Complete the course.
Pass the final exam.
Present your certificate of completion to your insurance company (the course provider may be able to send this to your insurer on your behalf).
Your mature driver training discount will last for the next three years. When it expires, you’ll have the opportunity to take a renewal course to maintain your defensive driver discount.
, a judge may allow you to attend traffic school to avoid having the citation reported to your insurance company.
Like defensive driving schools, an in-person or online traffic school course will improve your driving skills and help you become a safer driver.
Traffic school won’t earn you a discount on car insurance (and it won’t clear your driving record), but it could help you avoid a rate increase after your traffic ticket.
is a super straightforward process, and at each step, you can see exactly what coverage you’re paying for. Thanks to Jerry, I’m paying $900 less each year while keeping full coverage for my new car!” —Martin H.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers
FAQs
What is defensive driving?
+
Defensive driving is the practice of following the rules of the road and making smart decisions behind the wheel to drive safely and avoid traffic infractions.
Does a defensive driving course lower insurance in California?
+
Only for mature drivers 55 years old and older. All California insurance companies must offer a discount to seniors who take an approved defensive driving course, but the amount and duration of the discount vary.
How long does a defensive driving course take?
+
To satisfy the requirements of CA DMV’s mature driver improvement program, a course must include at least 400 minutes of actual classroom instruction (e.g. not counting registration time, breaks, etc.) for an initial course, and 240 minutes for a renewal course.
Who is eligible for defensive driving in California?
+
Only drivers 55 and older are eligible for the state-mandated mature driver defensive driving discount in California. Other drivers may choose to take a voluntary defensive driving course to improve driver safety, but there’s no guarantee that your insurer will reward you with a discount.