Safe driving for seniors
Collision prevention courses
If you're a licensed driver age 55 or over, consider taking a collision prevention course to:
- Learn about normal age-related physical changes, and how to adapt your driving to allow for these changes.
- Update your knowledge of the rules of the road and good driving skills.
- Reduce your chances of being in a collision and being injured or getting a ticket.
- Learn to drive more safely.
- Get a car insurance discount.
What you'll learn
- The effects of aging on your driving.
- Driver problem areas such as yielding the right of way, speeding, following distances, sharing the road, road signs, and signals.
- How to limit your distractions.
- How to properly use safety restraints (seat belts, air bags).
- What effects medications and alcohol can have on your driving.
- The importance of maintaining a safe vehicle.
How to apply for an insurance discount
After you've completed the 8-hour collision prevention course, you'll be issued a certificate. Contact your insurance company to get instructions about how to send them the certificate or find out what your insurance rate reduction will be.
| Provider | Courses available |
|---|---|
AAA Washington
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AARP®
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DriveSafeOnline
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I Drive Safely
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IMPROVLearning
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National Safety Council
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Road Review
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Senior Driving Discount of America
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Traffic School Online
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Urban Traffic School Mature Drivers Course
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Washington Traffic Safety Education Association
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How to start a program in your area
If you're interested in starting a senior driver collision prevention course, consider the following:
- Courses must be a minimum of 8-hours in length.
- Curriculum must be reviewed and approved by the Department of Licensing.
- Courses must be recertified every 2 years.
You may request guidelines and curriculum criteria by contacting us at:
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030
