The average cost of full coverage auto insurance in California is $3,102 per year, or $915 per month. That’s a lot of money, but you can save thousands of dollars by applying for insurance discounts.
One example is the mature driver discount, available to drivers aged 55 and older who complete a state-approved course. Savings range from 5% to 15% and remain in effect for three consecutive years.
Curious to find out more? Here’s how to take the California mature driver course online—and why it’s worth it.
What Is the California Mature Driver Course?
A mature driver course is a training program designed to improve road safety for senior drivers.
Under California Insurance Code 11628.3, drivers aged 55 and older who complete a mature driver course are entitled to an auto insurance discount of 5-15%. To qualify, you’ll need to meet these requirements:
- Be a California resident.
- Take a course approved by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Have no DUI convictions on your driving record.
- Have had no at-fault accidents in the past three years.
If you check all the boxes, you’ll begin with an initial course that lasts 400 minutes, or about six and a half hours. To keep your discount, it’s necessary to complete a four-hour refresher course after three years.
Depending on your preferences, you can take the California mature driver course online or in person. Both formats are valid and may help lower your premiums, but online classes offer more flexibility and convenience.
Read: How the California Mature Driver Course Works
5 Reasons to Take the California Mature Driver Course Online
Online mature driver courses match the duration and content of in-person classes, with the added benefit of allowing participants to study anytime, anywhere. Their key advantages include:
- Increased flexibility: Fit the course around your schedule. Log in and out whenever you want without losing progress, or start all over if you want to refresh your knowledge after a long break.
- Convenience: Study from any location and device instead of driving to a physical classroom. The final exam is online, too, and you can retake it for free until you pass.
- Self-paced learning: Work through the lessons at your own pace without the pressure of being timed. Stop when your schedule gets busy, pick up where you left off, and revisit the topics you find most difficult.
- Lower cost: Taking the California mature driver course online costs less than attending classroom instruction. At Traffic Safety Institute, we charge a low flat fee of only $27.99 for our self-paced course, whereas other schools – including those offering in-person classes – charge $45 to $70 or more.
- Extra perks: Online schools often provide benefits that traditional classes may not offer. Our mature driver course includes unlimited retakes, free audio read-alongs, and 24/7 customer support. Plus, you’ll get an electronic certificate at no extra cost.
Now let’s recap: 🤓
| Online vs. In-Person Mature Driver Courses | ||
| Category | Online Learning | Classroom Instruction |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Available anytime, 24/7 | Held at fixed dates and times |
| Course Length |
|
|
| Location | Study from anywhere | In-person classroom only |
| Breaks | Pause whenever needed | Short or no breaks |
| Accessibility |
|
|
| Tech Requirements | Internet-connected phone, tablet, or computer | No tech required |
| Certificate Delivery |
|
|
| Cost | $27.99 via Best Online Traffic School | Typically $45–$70+ |
| Extra Perks* |
|
|
| *Depends on the provider. | ||
Why Take a California Mature Driver Course?
While many Californians take a mature driver course to qualify for insurance discounts, the benefits go beyond saving money. The program is specially designed for older adults, offering practical guidance for safe driving as their vision, hearing, and motor skills begin to decline.
Here’s why you should enroll.
Mature Driver Training Pays for Itself Over and Over Again
Most insurers offer a 5-15% discount for completing a mature driver course, which translates into potential savings of $155 to $465 per year for three consecutive years. For context, the average cost of full coverage in California is $3,102.
Let’s break down how much you can save on insurance by taking a mature driver course:
| Discount Percentage | Annual Savings | Savings Over Three Years |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $155 | $465 |
| 10% | $310 | $930 |
| 15% | $465 | $1,395 |
The discount amount varies by insurance company, but even a 5% reduction could save you around $155 annually – far more than the cost of the course!
Allstate, Progressive, and Farmers offer about 10% off, which works out to roughly $310 in yearly savings, or about $930 over three years. The higher your annual premium, the more money you’ll keep in your pocket after completing a mature driver course.
Become a Safer Driver
Mature driver courses can help you understand the impact of aging on driving ability, and how to adjust your habits to stay safe on the road.
For example, you’ll learn strategies for adapting to changes in hearing, staying alert, and avoiding high-risk situations. The course will also teach you about safety technology in modern cars and how to use features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, or lane departure warnings to make driving easier.
A 2015 review confirms the benefits of mature driver training. As the researchers note, these programs can help older adults adjust their driving behavior and overcome age-related difficulties while behind the wheel.
Update Your Knowledge of Traffic Laws
The rules of the road change constantly, and even experienced drivers can unknowingly break them. A mature driver course can refresh your knowledge of traffic laws, making it easier to stay compliant and avoid fines.
Sure, you could read the legislation to stay informed, but the language is often complex and ambiguous. Mature driver courses use plain language, making it easier to understand and follow the law.
Why Take the California Mature Driver Course with Traffic Safety Institute?
Taking the California mature driver course online with Traffic Safety Institute couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is create an account and start learning—no credit card required.
Our course is approved by the California DMV and accepted by all insurers. The study materials are mobile-friendly, giving you full control over when and how you learn. Take breaks as needed, resume from where you left off, and contact our team with any questions you may have. It’s so easy, 99.9% of our students pass our test on the first try.
Plus, our course includes lots of other perks like:
✅ Unlimited course retakes (for FREE)
✅ Open-book final exam
✅ Multi-device compatibility
✅ Instant digital certificate
✅ Physical certificate shipped for free
✅ $100 Savings Guarantee
✅ 24/7 live chat support
The best part is, you can take our course for free and pay only after you pass. Our $27.99 all-inclusive fee covers all of the above, so you don’t have to worry about hidden charges.
Save up to 15% on car insurance with our DMV-approved mature driver course. Register for FREE today.
FAQs about Taking the California Mature Driver Discount Course Online
Need more information about the mature driver course in California? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Is there an online defensive driving course for seniors?
Yes, there are a few. One option is to take a mature driver improvement course, which covers defensive driving and related topics. If you go this route, you’ll qualify for a 5-15% insurance discount.
Alternatively, you may enroll in the National Safety Council’s Mature Driver Defensive Driving Course, AAA’s RoadWise, or similar programs, but these don’t guarantee insurance savings.
Read more: Safe Driving Classes for Seniors: Comparison + Details
What is the best online mature driver course in California?
The best online mature driver course in California is the one that matches your schedule, learning preferences, and goals.
For example, our online program suits drivers who value flexibility and want to study at their own pace. However, some students prefer the energy and interaction of in-person classes and may be better off choosing a traditional school.
Decide on the course format, then check the DMV’s list of approved course providers. Visit their websites, compare their offerings side-by-side, and read student reviews before you sign up. Remember, you can start our course for free. If it’s not the right fit, you can stop at any time.
How do I find a DMV-approved mature driver course?
The California DMV features a list of approved mature driver courses. Select any school from this list, then check its website or contact customer service to learn more about its offerings. Get more tips on how to make your choice in How to Choose the Best Online Mature Driver Course in California.
Is there a free online defensive driving course for seniors?
Local AAA clubs, community organizations, and government agencies sometimes offer free defensive driving classes for seniors, but you may need to attend in person. Though these courses can be valuable, they’re usually not DMV-approved and, therefore, don’t qualify for insurance discounts.
