AARP Smart Driver Course

[DennisR107529]

I’ve taken three similar courses - the first was in-person, the second was the eight-hour AARP online course, and this one (the four-hour version of the same online course). This one was, without a doubt, a waste of four hours of my time.

The course content could have been presented in no more than an hour or two. Most of the four hours was spent repeating the same information multiple times, to the point where I was occasionally mentally tuning out of the instruction, only to have it restated again and again.

The content was, in my opinion, presented in a monotonous, condescending, patronizing, and frequently ageist manner. As an example, a section described how to calculate the total cost of vehicle ownership by instructing me to, among other things, determine annual costs by multiplying monthly costs by 12 or weekly costs by 52. Honestly, I think I can still perform simple arithmetic, even at 72 years old, without help from anyone. There were other examples, e.g., telling me to slow down when it rains - really?!

Much of the other material was just basic common sense, and I find it hard to believe it was part of a presentation aimed exclusively at older drivers. It provided nothing useful at all. I only hope my insurance discount is worth the time I spent on the course.

[GailL1]

Sure hope your auto insurer and your state recognize this AARP Safe Driving course for a discount.  Many Don’t -