Published: November 9, 2026.
SAVAGE, MINNESOTA - Minnesota drivers ages 55 and older can refresh their driving skills and potentially lower their auto insurance premiums through an upcoming AARP Driver Safety course at the McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center in Savage.
The four-hour, classroom-based course is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. The program helps older drivers review key traffic safety practices, learn about changing roadway conditions, and maintain safe driving habits. Under Minnesota law, eligible drivers who complete an approved accident prevention course can qualify for a 10% discount on their automobile insurance premiums.
The upcoming December session is one of two courses advertised through the program this fall. An earlier session is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th, but registration has closed, and both AARP member and non-member options are listed as unavailable.
Registration remains available for the December 10th session, with a deadline of Friday, December 4th.
December 10th Course Details
The upcoming class will be held at the McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center, located at 13550 Dakota Avenue in Savage. The course is open to individuals ages 55 and older, regardless of whether they are AARP members.
Event information:
Date: Thursday, December 10, 2026
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Location: McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center, 13550 Dakota Avenue, Savage, MN
Age requirement: 55 and older
AARP member registration: $25 per person
Non-AARP member registration: $30 per person
Registration deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026
Course format: Four-hour, in-person classroom instruction
Activity number: 455201
The registration listing identifies the December 10 class as available for both AARP members and non-members as of the information provided. Participants should register before the December 4th deadline, although availability may change as the class approaches.
Course May Qualify Drivers for 10% Insurance Discount
One of the primary benefits of completing the AARP Driver Safety course is the opportunity to qualify for a reduction in automobile insurance costs. Minnesota law provides a 10% automobile insurance premium discount for qualifying drivers ages 55 and older who successfully complete an approved accident prevention course.
The discount encourages continued driver education and promotes safer driving practices among older motorists. To maintain eligibility, drivers generally must complete an approved refresher course every three years. Participants are encouraged to contact their automobile insurance provider to confirm eligibility, determine which portions of their premiums qualify for the discount, and learn how to submit proof of course completion.
The amount of money saved will vary depending on the driver's insurance policy and applicable premiums.
Minnesota Eliminated Previous Eight-Hour Initial Course Requirement
An important change to Minnesota's driver safety education requirements has made qualifying for the insurance discount more convenient. Previously, drivers taking an approved accident prevention course for the first time were generally required to complete eight hours of instruction. Returning participants could maintain their discount by completing a four-hour refresher course.
However, legislative changes approved in July 2024 eliminated the eight-hour initial course requirement. As a result, eligible first-time participants can now complete an approved four-hour course to meet the educational requirement for the insurance discount. The change reduces the amount of time required for new participants while maintaining the state's emphasis on ongoing driver education.
Drivers who have previously completed an approved course can continue taking a four-hour refresher course every three years to maintain their discount eligibility.
Focus on Safe Driving and Accident Prevention
The AARP Driver Safety program helps older motorists stay informed about safe driving practices and changing roadway conditions. Driver safety education programs commonly address topics such as recognizing roadway hazards, understanding traffic laws, maintaining safe following distances, and adapting driving habits to changing traffic conditions. The programs also emphasize defensive driving techniques and strategies for reducing the risk of collisions.
Although the course is designed for drivers ages 55 and older, the underlying safety principles are applicable to motorists of all ages.
According to the registration information, the December session will be conducted entirely in a classroom setting. No behind-the-wheel instruction is listed.
November Session No Longer Available
The program also includes an earlier class scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. Registration for that session closed on November 6th.
Both the AARP member and non-member options for the November class are currently listed as unavailable.
Individuals interested in participating this year are encouraged to consider the December 10th session while registration remains open.
How to Register
Residents interested in attending the December 10th AARP Driver Safety course should use the program's registration system and reference activity number 455201. Separate registration options are available for AARP members and non-members, priced at $25 and $30, respectively. You can find a link to the registration page here: https://mnsavageweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=32999657
The registration deadline is December 4th, six days before the scheduled class. Participants who hope to receive the insurance discount should verify their eligibility with their insurance company before attending and retain documentation of successful course completion.
The December class gives older drivers throughout Savage, Scott County, and surrounding south metro communities a chance to complete an approved driver safety course while potentially reducing their ongoing automobile insurance costs.
Written by: Will Wight
