Safe driving for seniors

Collision prevention courses

If you are 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 will 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 have completed the 8-hour collision prevention course, you will 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.

Approved courses

The following providers offer Department of Licensing-approved collision prevention courses for senior drivers. These courses may be provided through a variety of methods, such as conventional classes, online classes, or videos.

911 Driving School—Street Survival for the Mature Driver

17526 Meridian East #C106
Puyallup, WA 98375
Phone: (253) 864-3450
Contact: Jeffrey Papen

AAA Washington

1745 114th Avenue SE
Bellevue, Washington 98004
Phone: 1-800-562-2582
Contact: Janet Ray
Online class available

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

PO Box 349
Lake Stevens, Washington 98258-0349
Phone: 1-888-227-7669
Contact: Royce Loshbaugh
Online class available

I Drive Safely

Phone: 1-800-723-1955
Online class only

Washington Traffic Safety Education Association

PO Box 264
Olympia, Washington 98507-0264
Phone: (360) 480-5330
Contact: Gerry Apple

How to start a program in your area

If you are 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: