How to Take an AAA Senior Driving Course
At The Wiser Driver Driving School, we understand the importance of staying safe on the road at any age. As drivers get older, taking an AAA senior driving course can be a smart way to refresh skills and boost confidence behind the wheel.
These courses offer valuable insights into traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and age-related changes that may affect driving ability. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of taking an AAA senior driving course and explain how it can benefit you or your loved ones.
What Are AAA Senior Driving Courses?
AAA’s commitment to senior driver safety manifests in their comprehensive driving courses tailored for older adults. These courses address the unique challenges faced by senior drivers and provide updated knowledge and skills to navigate today’s roads safely.
Online and In-Person Course Options
AAA offers both online and in-person course options to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules. The course can be taken online or in a classroom setting and covers common driving issues relevant to mature drivers, including distractions and drowsiness.
Course Content
The curriculum covers important topics such as current traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and the effects of aging on driving abilities. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that for drivers 70 and over, fatal crash rates per licensed driver fell 43 percent from 1997 to 2018, compared with a decline of 21 percent for middle-aged drivers. AAA’s courses address this issue by focusing on defensive driving strategies and ways to compensate for age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time.
Potential Insurance Discounts
A significant benefit of completing an AAA senior driving course is the potential for insurance discounts. Many insurance companies offer premium reductions for seniors who complete these courses. However, it’s important to check with your specific insurance provider as policies may vary.
Complementary to Other Driving Programs
While AAA offers excellent senior-specific courses, other driving schools also provide comprehensive programs for drivers of all ages. For instance, The Wiser Driver Driving School offers state-required classes, personalized driving lessons, and senior driver refresher courses. These programs can complement AAA’s offerings, providing a well-rounded approach to enhancing driving skills and confidence on the road.
As we move forward, let’s explore how to prepare for your AAA Senior Driving Course to make the most of this valuable learning experience.
How to Prepare for Your AAA Senior Driving Course
Age Requirements and Eligibility
AAA’s RoadWise™, a senior defensive driving program, is an online course designed to positively affect driving behavior and help you learn about and adjust to age-related changes. While typically aimed at older drivers, specific age requirements may vary, so it’s best to check with your local AAA chapter for eligibility criteria.
Gathering Necessary Materials
Before you enroll, ensure you have a valid driver’s license. For online courses, you’ll need a computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection. If you opt for an in-person class, bring a notepad and pen for note-taking. Some AAA chapters provide course materials, but you should confirm this when you register.
Choosing Between Online and In-Person Formats
Your decision between online and in-person formats depends on your learning style and schedule. Online courses offer flexibility (you can complete the material at your own pace), while in-person classes provide face-to-face interaction with instructors and fellow students (which can benefit those who prefer a traditional learning environment).
Consider your comfort level with technology when you make this choice. If online platforms intimidate you, an in-person course might suit you better.
Course Duration and Structure
Both online and in-person options typically take about 6-8 hours to complete. Online courses allow you to spread the content over several days if needed. In-person courses often occur in one or two sessions, depending on the specific AAA chapter’s schedule.
Alternative Options
While AAA courses offer excellent content, they aren’t the only option available. The Wiser Driver Driving School, for instance, provides tailored senior driver refresher courses that can complement or serve as an alternative to AAA programs. These courses offer personalized instruction to address specific needs and concerns of older drivers.
As you prepare for your course, consider what you hope to gain from the experience. This reflection will help you maximize the benefits of the upcoming learning opportunity, whether you choose an AAA course or an alternative program.
What Happens in an AAA Senior Driving Course?
Course Duration and Format
AAA’s online and in-person (select locations) course helps drivers who are 55 and older understand age-related changes and how to adjust their driving. Online courses allow participants to complete the material at their own pace over several days. In-person classes usually occur in one or two sessions, providing a structured learning environment.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for senior drivers. Participants learn about recent changes in traffic laws, which is particularly important as regulations evolve over time. For example, many states have implemented new distracted driving laws in recent years, and these courses ensure seniors stay up-to-date on such changes.
Safe Driving Techniques
A significant portion of the course focuses on safe driving techniques tailored for older adults. This includes strategies for maintaining proper following distances, navigating intersections safely, and managing blind spots. The fatal traffic crash involvement rate per 100,000 licensed drivers for drivers 65 and older was 16.49 in 2022. The course addresses these specific risk areas with practical tips and exercises.
Age-Related Changes and Driving
The course explores how age-related changes can affect driving abilities. Participants learn about common vision and hearing issues that may impact senior drivers and how to compensate for these changes. For example, the course might cover techniques for dealing with increased glare sensitivity (which affects many older drivers, especially during night driving).
Interactive Elements
To enhance engagement and retention, AAA incorporates interactive elements into their courses. These may include group discussions in in-person settings or interactive quizzes and simulations in online formats. These elements help reinforce key concepts and allow participants to apply what they’ve learned to real-world scenarios.
Practical Exercises
Practical exercises form a key component of these courses. These might include hazard perception tests, where participants identify potential dangers in various driving scenarios. Some courses also incorporate behind-the-wheel assessments (although these are typically optional and may incur an additional fee).
Final Thoughts
An AAA Senior Driving Course will improve your safety and confidence on the road. You will learn updated traffic laws and strategies to handle age-related changes that affect driving. This course will refresh your skills and contribute to safer roads for everyone.
The course serves as a starting point for safer driving. You should implement the defensive driving techniques gradually and seek support from family or friends as you adjust your habits. Pay attention to areas where you felt less confident before, such as night driving or navigating busy intersections.
We recommend you explore additional resources to enhance your skills further. The Wiser Driver Driving School offers comprehensive programs for drivers of all ages, including personalized driving lessons. These can complement what you’ve learned in your AAA course and help you maintain your independence and mobility while ensuring safety on the road.