Looking for a quick and easy way to save on auto insurance? If you’re 55 or older, you can lower your premiums by 5-15% by taking a mature driver course. The discount is valid for three years and could save you thousands of dollars.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose the best online mature driver course in California and get the most value for your money. Let’s get started.
What Is the Mature Driver Course in California?
Per California Insurance Code 11628.3., individuals aged 55 and older can complete a state-approved California mature driver course to qualify for an auto insurance discount. This training program is designed to help older adults stay safe behind the wheel and pay lower premiums.
The course involves six and half hours of study. To complete the program, you must cover 13 modules and pass a 25-question exam. When you’re done, you’ll receive a physical certificate that you can submit to your insurer for 5-15% off your annual insurance rates for three consecutive years.
Read: How Does Age Affect Driving?
How to Choose the Best Online Mature Driver Course in California
The quality of your mature driver course experience can vary depending on the provider you choose. That’s because while all state-approved schools must follow a set curriculum, they have flexibility in how they deliver it.
With that in mind, here’s what to look for when choosing a mature driver course in California:
DMV Approval
Only courses approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) count toward insurance discounts, so make sure you choose a licensed school.
You can find one using the DMV’s list of approved course providers. To verify a school’s license status, scroll through the list or press Ctrl + F to search by name.
Insurance Discount Eligibility
Confirm with your insurance provider that the course you’re considering qualifies you for a discount. Ask about the discount percentage as well, since it may vary between providers.
For example, Progressive offers a mature driver discount of around 10% in California. Nationwide provides a 5% reduction, while Farmers will lower your premiums by 10-15%.
Note that while some organizations offer free defensive driving courses for seniors, many are just for learning – they don’t qualify for an insurance discount.
Course Length and Flexibility
By law, a mature driver course has to cover about 400 minutes of material – that’s about six and half hours. Consider choosing an online program so you can study at your own pace. With this option, you can log in and out as needed and revisit challenging sections. At Traffic Safety Institute, you also get free, unlimited retakes of the final exam.
Certificate Delivery
Consider how a course provider delivers your certificate of completion, and whether they charge extra for it. Once the course is over, you must submit this to your insurance carrier.
At Traffic Safety Institute, we provide both physical and digital certificates at no extra cost. Other schools may charge $10–$15 for an electronic copy and an additional $10–$15 to ship a physical certificate to your address.
Reputation and Reviews
Browse review websites and business directories to see what other drivers say about the course you’re interested in. The best mature driver courses have consistent positive feedback about content quality, learning resources, customer support, and other key factors. You’ll also want to make sure the reviews mention timely certificate delivery, clear instructions, and a user-friendly interface.
For example, drivers who’ve completed our online program describe it as helpful, convenient, and easy to navigate. You can check out our California mature driver course reviews to get a better idea of what to expect.
Customer Support
Sign up with a course provider who offers phone or live chat support, not just email. You can even contact them before starting the course to check how responsive they are. (The best one are happy to answer your questions!)
Customer service can make all the difference, especially when you need help logging in, completing a module, or taking the final exam. After all, you don’t want to wait for hours to reach a real person and get your issue solved.
Cost
The California DMV caps the cost of mature driver courses at $30, plus a $1 charge for the completion certificate. But some schools charge extra for digital certificates, audio read-alongs, and other services. It’s not uncommon to see a low upfront price, only to discover you can’t finish the course without paying additional fees.
At Traffic Safety Institute, we keep it simple: our $27.99 flat fee covers everything, not just the study materials. The best part is, you only pay after you pass. Learn more about how much a California mature driver course costs, and how Traffic Safety Institute stacks up against other providers.
Why Take a Mature Driver Course Online?
California mature drivers courses can be completed online or in person. But online is much more convenient. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Flexibility: Study anytime, anywhere, and take breaks as needed without losing your progress.
- No commuting: Access the course materials from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone instead of traveling to a physical classroom.
- Higher engagement: Online mature driver courses often feature interactive videos, animations, quizzes, and gamified lessons for an engaging learning experience.
- 24/7 support: Some course providers offer support around the clock. For example, drivers who choose Traffic Safety Institute can contact us 24/7 via live chat.
- More budget-friendly: Online courses are often more affordable than classroom instruction because of the lower overhead.
- Extra perks: California drivers who take the course online enjoy perks that may not be included in traditional classroom programs. For instance, Traffic Safety Institute offers unlimited retakes, free audio read-alongs, and digital certificates.
Choosing between online and in-person courses comes down to personal preference. However, online programs usually offer more value due to their flexibility and lower cost.
Why Take the California Mature Driver Course with Traffic Safety Institute?
Traffic Safety Institute offers a DMV-approved California mature driver course that can save you up to $300 per year on your insurance. Our training program can be accessed from any device, featuring an intuitive interface, engaging lessons, and 24/7 support. It also includes audio files, so you can listen to the content instead of reading it.
The course will teach you about the impact of aging on driving performance, how to protect yourself when a collision cannot be avoided, and what to take into account when planning a road trip. It also covers any recent changes to traffic laws – and how to stay compliant.
Our goal is to make your learning experience as smooth as possible. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed, including:
✅ Interactive lessons
✅ Practice quizzes
✅ Free audio read-alongs
✅ Unlimited course retakes
✅ Open-book final exam
✅ Save-and-resume feature
✅ Instant electronic certificate
✅ Physical certificate shipped for free
✅ Live chat support
99% of drivers who take our course pass on the first try. This says a lot about our commitment to quality learning.
But don’t just take our word for it. Start the course for FREE and see for yourself!
FAQS About the Mature Driver Course in California
Before you sign up, is there anything else you’d like to know about the California mature driver course? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the new policy for senior drivers in California?
Until recently, California drivers aged 70 and older were required to take a written knowledge test when renewing their licenses. In October 2024, the DMV eliminated this requirement for older drivers with a clean record.
How to get a California good driver discount?
To qualify for a California good driver discount, California residents must have held a license for at least three years and maintained a clean driving record. This means:
❌ No more than one point on your DMV record in the past three years.
❌ No convictions for serious traffic offenses, such as misdemeanors or felonies.
❌ No at-fault accidents that resulted in bodily injury or death.
Drivers who meet these requirements are entitled to an insurance discount of at least 20%.
What is the best defensive driving course for seniors?
There is no one best defensive driving course for seniors. What matters most is finding one that fits your schedule and learning style and can teach you something new.
For example, online courses are ideal for individuals who prefer self-paced learning and seek flexibility. However, if you’re struggling with self-discipline, you may benefit more from classroom instruction. No matter what you choose, ensure your course is DMV approved, or you may not qualify for an insurance discount
