Driver Education

Each year, more than 38,000 people die every year in crashes on U.S. roadways and an additional 4.4 million are injured seriously enough to require medical attention. Take charge of your transportation and safety by improving your defensive driving habits and staying informed of new road rules and laws. through a course taken every 18 months.

AARP Smart Driver Courses

The AARP website offers online courses, information, resources, as well as schedule and location of in-person defensive driving courses when available.

The AARP Smart Driver course is offered in person twice a year at Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County, in partnership with Way2Go.

The classroom course is offered by AARP for a fee of $25 for current AARP members, or $30 for non-members. This is the nation's oldest refresher course for all drivers, focusing on older adults. There are no tests, and the entire course is classroom-based.

CARFIT AAA Online Safety Program

Learn why the proper fit in your vehicle is essential for both your safety and the safety of others on the road. CarFit was developed by the American Society on Aging in collaboration with AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association. It’s a community-based program that provides a quick, yet comprehensive 12-point check of how well you and your car work together.

Local Defensive Driving Programs

TST BOCES Defensive Driving Course
Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES offers a six-hour Defensive Driving course. Call 607-257-1561 to register, or email: smurphy@tstboces.org for more information.

Learn Well School of Driving
Learn to drive with patient skilled NYS licensed instructors at Learn Well School of Driving. Special attention is given to foreign students, young drivers,senior citizens, road testpreparation, highway driving, nervous drivers & defensive driving. Call 607-546-2192 or email for more information.

Other Online Driving Resources

The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Visit the New York State DMV for additional information on point reduction and classroom or online courses.

Visit the Tompkins County DMV for local office information, forms, and more.

DMV Locations
Find listings of DMV locations around New York State and free practice tests.

ePermit Test
Free driver practice tests are available through the ePermit Test along with additional driver resources.

Pedestrian Safety
Review tips on Pedestrian Safety for drivers, older adults, kids, and people with disabilities.

Roadside Assistance
Set up roadside assistance in advance of an incident with  AAA of Western & Central NY or your insurance company.

Last updated February 9, 2024