Drivers in Pennsylvania may be required to take a driver improvement course if they accumulate too many points on their driving record. However, unlike many other states, defensive driving is not an option for avoiding a traffic citation conviction. In addition to driver improvement courses for points accumulation, driver improvement courses are available to mature drivers for insurance discounts.
Defensive Driving Courses in Pennsylvania
Under the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation system, points are assessed on your driving record for certain offenses. Different offenses will carry different point values, with some carrying zero point value and others from two to five points. Points can be removed with a history of safe driving: Pennsylvania removes three points per year of driving without violations.
If a driver in Pennsylvania accumulates more than six points, the driver may be required to attend a driver improvement school. Pennsylvania drivers may also be required to attend driver improvement school if their record drops below six points and then reaches six points again after a violation. Driver improvement courses are not used to reduce points in Pennsylvania. They are only a court requirement for repeat traffic violation offenders and those required to go to court for a traffic offense.
Defensive Driving Courses Available in Pennsylvania
Drivers who take a driver improvement course in Pennsylvania will learn about important driver safety and responsibility topics. The four to 12-hour course is designed to help you avoid accidents and further traffic citations and is available online and in the classroom. The curriculum in the course may include:
- updated traffic laws in Pennsylvania
- defensive driving techniques
- the dangers of alcohol and drugs on driving
- safe driving techniques
- sharing the road
- driver attitudes
- collision prevention
Defensive Driving for Car Insurance Discounts in Pennsylvania
Driver improvement courses in Pennsylvania aren’t just for drivers who have accumulated too many points. Mature drivers in Pennsylvania can take driver improvement courses to receive a discount on auto insurance.
Pennsylvania Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts
Pennsylvania insurance companies are required to offer at least a five percent discount on auto insurance for drivers who have completed the Basic Mature Driver Improvement Course. Some insurance carriers may offer more of a discount, often up to 10% off. The discount is valid for three years and can be renewed every three years by completing the Refresher Mature Driver Improvement Course.
Pennsylvania Defensive Driving Insurance Discount Eligibility
In Pennsylvania, all drivers 55 years of age and older are eligible to receive a discount on auto insurance for completing the mature driver improvement course. It’sĀ Pennsylvania law that insurance companies offer a discount to mature drivers who have completed a driver improvement course. However, the amount of discount may vary. Discounts must be at least five percent but can be up to 10% or more, depending on the insurance company. It’s best to check with your insurance company directly to verify your discount amount before enrolling in a driver improvement course.
Insurance Defensive Driving Courses Available in Pennsylvania
Mature driver improvement courses in Pennsylvania are designed to help older adults continue to drive safely. They address both general driving as well as concerns and challenges that are unique to older drivers. Curriculum may include:
- medications and driving
- common causes of accidents for seniors
- crash risk factors
- updated Pennsylvania traffic laws
- vehicle safety features
The insurance defensive driving course offered in Illinois is the same course that traffic violators will complete. This course is four hours long and offers instruction in driving safety and defensive driving. This curriculum includes:
- accident avoidance
- speeding dangers
- courteous driving including proper following distance
- avoiding alcohol and drugs while driving
- injury and death prevention
- important vehicle safety features
Enroll in a Pennsylvania Defensive Driving Course
Get started with your Pennsylvania driver improvement course today! View our directory to find state-approved schools that offer the course you need.