Minnesota Senior Accident Prevention Course — Frequently Asked Questions

Minnesota’s Senior Accident Prevention Course is a state-approved educational program for drivers aged 55 and older. The course covers defensive driving techniques, current Minnesota traffic laws, the effects of aging and medications on driving ability, and hazard recognition strategies. Its primary purpose is to help mature drivers stay safe on the road while qualifying them for a mandatory insurance premium reduction of at least 10% under Minnesota law.

This is not a ticket-dismissal or traffic citation program — it is a voluntary accident prevention course focused entirely on safe driving education and insurance savings for senior drivers.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (premium reductions for insureds 55 and older completing an accident prevention course)

Any driver who is 55 years of age or older is eligible to take the Minnesota Senior Accident Prevention Course. The statute specifically refers to “insureds 55 years old and older.” There is no upper age limit, no requirement for a specific type of driver’s license, and no restriction based on your driving record or claims history.

To receive the insurance discount, you must hold (or be covered by) a private passenger vehicle insurance policy issued, delivered, or renewed in Minnesota.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (“insureds 55 years old and older”)

The Minnesota Legislature created this program to address two important goals: road safety and insurance affordability for older drivers. As drivers age, they may face changes in reaction time, vision, hearing, and the effects of medications — all of which can affect driving ability. By mandating a meaningful insurance discount for completing an approved course, the state incentivizes continued driver education.

Minnesota’s program is notably strong compared to most states: the law requires a minimum 10% discount rather than leaving the amount to insurer discretion. This dual approach — safer roads and real financial savings — benefits both individual drivers and the broader community.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28 (establishing both the course program and the mandatory premium reduction)

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety oversees the Senior Accident Prevention Course program. Specifically, the Commissioner of Public Safety is responsible for adopting rules that establish and regulate the course, including curriculum requirements, certification criteria, and provider approval. The Department of Public Safety also works in consultation with traffic safety and medical professionals when establishing refresher course criteria.

Note: Minnesota uses “Department of Public Safety” and “Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)” — not “DMV.”

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2 (“The commissioner of public safety must adopt rules establishing and regulating a motor vehicle accident prevention course”)

While anyone may benefit from the educational content, the insurance discount only applies to drivers aged 55 and older. The statute is explicit: the premium reduction is for “insureds 55 years old and older who successfully complete an accident prevention course.” If you are under 55, completing the course will not qualify you for the statutory insurance discount regardless of which provider you use.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (“insureds 55 years old and older”)

No. Minnesota’s Senior Accident Prevention Course is not a ticket-dismissal, point-reduction, or traffic citation diversion program. It is a purely voluntary course designed for drivers 55 and older to improve their driving skills and earn a mandatory insurance premium reduction. Completing this course will not dismiss a traffic ticket, reduce points on your driving record, or satisfy any court-ordered requirement.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28 (statute addresses insurance premium reductions exclusively — no reference to citation dismissal)

The course is designed for Minnesota drivers, and the insurance discount under Minn. Stat. § 65B.28 applies to private passenger vehicle insurance policies “issued, delivered, or renewed in this state.” If you live in Minnesota and carry a Minnesota-regulated auto insurance policy, you are eligible for the discount regardless of where your driver’s license was originally issued. If you carry an out-of-state policy, contact your insurer to confirm whether they will honor a Minnesota course completion certificate.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (“policies of private passenger vehicle insurance… issued, delivered, or renewed in this state”)

Yes — it is mandatory by law. Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 uses the words “must provide” — meaning every insurance company operating in Minnesota is legally required to provide the premium reduction to eligible drivers who complete an approved course. This is not optional or discretionary. An insurer cannot refuse to apply the discount if you meet the statutory requirements.

The statute reads: “An insurer must provide an appropriate premium reduction of at least ten percent on its policies of private passenger vehicle insurance… to insureds 55 years old and older who successfully complete an accident prevention course.”

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (“An insurer must provide”)

Minnesota law mandates a premium reduction of at least 10% on your private passenger vehicle insurance. This is a minimum — your insurer may offer more, but they cannot offer less. This makes Minnesota one of the strongest states in the country for senior driver insurance discounts. Most states either leave the amount entirely to insurer discretion or set a lower minimum (often 5%).

A 10% minimum discount can easily translate to $100–$300+ per year in savings depending on your coverage levels and premium amounts. The savings far exceed the cost of the course, often within the first month.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (“at least ten percent”)

The discount applies to private passenger vehicle insurance as defined in Minn. Stat. § 65B.001, subdivision 2. This covers standard personal auto insurance policies — the insurance on your car, SUV, truck, or minivan used for personal (non-commercial) purposes. Commercial vehicle policies and specialty vehicle coverage are generally not included under this statute.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (“policies of private passenger vehicle insurance, as defined in section 65B.001, subdivision 2”)

The discount lasts for a three-year period from the date you complete the course. After three years, you can retake the original course or take the refresher course to remain eligible for another three-year discount period. There is no limit on how many times you can renew — you can continue earning the discount every three years indefinitely.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 4 (“A person 55 years old and older may retake the original course or take the refresher course every three years”)

No. The law says insurers “must provide” the discount — this is mandatory, not permissive. If you are 55 or older and you successfully complete an approved accident prevention course or refresher course, your insurer is legally required to provide a premium reduction of at least 10%. If your insurance company refuses, they are in violation of Minnesota law.

If you have difficulty getting your insurer to apply the discount, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which regulates insurance companies in the state.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (“An insurer must provide an appropriate premium reduction of at least ten percent”)

The discount typically takes effect at your next policy renewal after you submit your completion certificate to your insurer. Some insurance companies may apply a pro-rated adjustment mid-policy. Contact your insurance company to find out their specific timeline for applying the discount. The sooner you complete the course and submit your certificate, the sooner you start saving.

Start saving today — take DDI’s Minnesota course →

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (discount applies to policies “issued, delivered, or renewed in this state”)

Minnesota has one of the strongest senior driver discount mandates in the country. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• At least 10% minimum — many states only require an “appropriate” reduction with no floor, or set the minimum at 5%
• “Must provide” — mandatory language leaves no room for insurer discretion on whether to offer the discount
• Three-year duration — longer than most states (many require renewal every two years)

This combination of a high minimum percentage, mandatory compliance, and a generous three-year term makes Minnesota’s program exceptionally valuable for eligible drivers.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1

The program is governed by Minnesota Statute § 65B.28 — “Accident Prevention Course Premium Reductions.” This is the core statute that establishes the course, defines eligibility, mandates the insurance discount, sets the course duration, and provides for refresher courses and certification. It contains four subdivisions covering: (1) the required premium reduction, (2) course rules and curriculum, (3) the refresher course, and (4) completion certificates and renewal eligibility.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28

Yes — this is a critical requirement. To qualify for the insurance discount, the course must be established and regulated under rules adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety. The statute requires that the commissioner adopt rules establishing curriculum requirements and providing for the issuance of course completion certifications. Only courses that meet these state-adopted criteria qualify students for the mandatory premium reduction.

Always verify that your chosen course provider is approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety before enrolling.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2 (“The commissioner of public safety must adopt rules establishing and regulating a motor vehicle accident prevention course”)

The statute is remarkably clear and driver-friendly. Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subdivision 1 states:

“An insurer must provide an appropriate premium reduction of at least ten percent on its policies of private passenger vehicle insurance, as defined in section 65B.001, subdivision 2, issued, delivered, or renewed in this state, to insureds 55 years old and older who successfully complete an accident prevention course or refresher course established under subdivisions 2 and 3.”

Key words: “must provide” (mandatory), “at least ten percent” (minimum floor), and it applies to both the original course and the refresher course. This is one of the most clearly worded senior driver discount statutes in the country.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1

Under Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subdivision 2, the course must meet the following statutory requirements:

• Total of four hours in duration
• Curriculum requirements established by rules adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety
• Course completion certification — the rules must provide for issuing a certificate and requiring its submission to the insured as evidence of completion
• The course is for persons 55 years old and older

Note: The four-hour requirement is effective as of July 1, 2024, when the Legislature reduced the course from its previous eight-hour requirement — making the course significantly more convenient for participants.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2

The Department of Public Safety establishes criteria for and approves training agencies or organizations authorized to conduct both the original course and the refresher course. For the refresher course specifically, the Department works in consultation with traffic safety and medical professionals. Providers must meet the curriculum and certification standards set by the Commissioner of Public Safety.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 3 (“The Department of Public Safety shall establish criteria for and approve training agencies or organizations”)

The course is four hours in total. This is the duration set by statute — Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2(c) states: “The accident prevention course must be a total of four hours.” This four-hour requirement became effective July 1, 2024, when the Legislature reduced the course from its previous eight-hour requirement. The shorter duration makes the course significantly more convenient while still covering all required curriculum topics.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2(c) (“The accident prevention course must be a total of four hours”)

Effective July 1, 2024, the Minnesota Legislature reduced the course duration from eight hours to four hours. This change was made to improve accessibility and encourage more senior drivers to participate while maintaining the same rigorous curriculum standards. The four-hour format covers all essential topics — defensive driving, traffic law updates, aging effects, medication awareness, and hazard recognition — in a more streamlined, focused presentation. The insurance discount remains exactly the same: a mandatory minimum of 10%.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2(c) (as amended effective July 1, 2024)

The curriculum is established by rules adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety and covers essential safety topics for mature drivers. DDI’s Minnesota course covers:

• Defensive driving techniques — strategies to anticipate and avoid hazards on the road
• Minnesota traffic laws — current rules of the road and recent changes to state law
• Effects of aging on driving — how changes in vision, hearing, reaction time, and cognitive function affect driving ability
• Medication and alcohol effects — how prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and alcohol impact driving performance
• Hazard recognition — identifying and responding to road hazards, weather conditions, and dangerous situations
• Safe driving practices — best practices for maintaining safety on Minnesota roads

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2 (commissioner must adopt rules “establishing curriculum requirements”)

The refresher course is “based on the curriculum established under subdivision 2” — meaning it covers the same core subject areas as the original course. However, the refresher is specifically designed for drivers who have already completed the original course, so it may focus more on updating knowledge and reinforcing key concepts rather than introducing topics for the first time. Both the original course and the refresher course qualify you for the same mandatory minimum 10% insurance discount.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 3 (“based on the curriculum established under subdivision 2”)

Yes. The course is specifically designed for Minnesota drivers and includes coverage of current Minnesota traffic laws and regulations. This includes state-specific rules of the road, right-of-way laws, speed limits, intersection procedures, and any recent changes to Minnesota driving statutes. This Minnesota-specific content ensures you are up to date on the laws that apply to your everyday driving.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2 (curriculum established by Commissioner of Public Safety for Minnesota drivers)

A significant portion of the course addresses age-related changes that can affect driving ability. Topics include changes in vision (night vision decline, glare sensitivity), hearing (difficulty hearing sirens or horns), reaction time (slower response to sudden hazards), cognitive function (attention, memory, decision-making), and the effects of medications commonly prescribed to older adults. The course doesn’t aim to discourage driving — instead, it provides practical strategies for compensating for these changes and maintaining safe driving habits.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2 (curriculum requirements established by commissioner); course addresses “persons 55 years old and older”

Yes. Defensive Drivers Institute offers the Minnesota Senior Accident Prevention Course 100% online. You can complete the entire four-hour course from the comfort of your home on any device with an internet connection. The online format is approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and qualifies you for the same mandatory minimum 10% insurance discount as any other approved course format.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (discount applies to insureds who “successfully complete an accident prevention course” — format not restricted)

Yes. DDI’s online course is completely self-paced. You can log in and out as many times as you need, and your progress is saved automatically through a bookmarking system. There’s no requirement to complete all four hours in a single sitting — work through the material over multiple sessions at whatever schedule is comfortable for you. The course includes built-in timers to ensure compliance with the four-hour requirement.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2(c) (four-hour course requirement; online delivery with compliance verification)

DDI’s online course works on any device with a modern web browser and internet connection:

• Desktop or laptop computers (Windows or Mac)
• Tablets (iPad, Android, etc.)
• Smartphones (iPhone, Android)

No special software or app downloads are required. You can even switch between devices during the course — your progress saves to your account automatically, so you can start on your computer and continue on your tablet, or vice versa.

DDI’s course uses a bookmarking system that automatically saves your place as you progress through the material. When you log out (or close your browser), the system remembers exactly where you left off. The next time you log back in, you’ll resume right where you stopped — no need to repeat any sections you’ve already completed. This makes it easy to spread the four-hour course over multiple sessions.

Start the course today and finish on your own schedule →

Yes. The course includes built-in timers on each section to ensure you spend the appropriate amount of time engaging with the material. These timers are a compliance feature required to verify that students are completing the full four hours of instruction. You cannot skip ahead until the timer for each section has elapsed. This ensures that every student receives the full educational benefit of the course.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2(c) (course must be “a total of four hours” — timers ensure compliance)

The course includes knowledge checks and quizzes throughout the material to reinforce your learning. These are designed to ensure you’ve absorbed the key safety concepts and Minnesota traffic law updates covered in each section. With DDI, quizzes are straightforward and designed to confirm understanding — not to trick you or create unnecessary stress. The goal is to help you retain the important information that keeps you safe on the road.

Don’t worry — you can retake quizzes as needed. DDI’s course is designed to be educational, not punitive. If you don’t pass a knowledge check on the first try, you can review the relevant material and try again. There is no limit on retakes, and you won’t be locked out of the course. The quizzes are there to help you learn, not to prevent you from completing the course.

Once you have completed all course sections, met the four-hour time requirement, and passed all knowledge checks, the system will clearly indicate that you have finished the course. You will be prompted to generate your completion certificate immediately. With DDI, there is no ambiguity — the course clearly guides you through each step from start to certificate.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2 (rules must provide “for the issuance of a course completion certification”)

Yes. The course is four hours long, so many participants choose to complete it in a single session. However, you are not required to — the self-paced format with automatic progress saving means you can break the course into multiple sessions over days or weeks. Whether you prefer to power through in one afternoon or take it a section at a time, the choice is entirely yours.

Upon successfully completing the course, you receive a course completion certificate. This is the official document you submit to your insurance company as evidence that you’ve completed an approved accident prevention course. The certificate is required by statute — Minn. Stat. § 65B.28 specifically provides for “the issuance of a course completion certification and requiring its submission to an insured as evidence of completion of the course.”

With Defensive Drivers Institute, your certificate is generated instantly upon completion — no waiting, no processing delays.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2(b)(2) (“providing for the issuance of a course completion certification”)

Contact your insurance company or agent and let them know you’ve completed an approved Minnesota Senior Accident Prevention Course. Most insurers accept the certificate through one or more of these methods:

• Upload through your online insurance account portal
• Email a copy directly to your agent
• Mail or fax a copy to your insurance company
• In person — bring a copy to your agent’s office

Pro tip: Call your insurer before taking the course to confirm the discount amount and their preferred submission method. That way you’ll know exactly what savings to expect and can submit your certificate immediately upon completion.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2(b)(2) (“requiring its submission to an insured as evidence of completion”)

Your completion certificate typically includes:

• Your full name
• Date of course completion
• Course name and provider information
• Indication that the course is approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
• Course duration (4 hours)
• Provider’s approval or certification details

This information allows your insurance company to verify that you completed a qualifying course and apply the mandatory minimum 10% premium reduction.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 4 (“The Department of Public Safety shall provide criteria for the issuance of the course completion certificates”)

With DDI, your certificate is stored in your online account and can be downloaded or reprinted at any time. If you lose the original, simply log back into your DDI account and print a new copy. You won’t need to retake the course or pay an additional fee to access your certificate.

Yes. Each insured person who wants to receive the premium reduction must individually complete the course and receive their own completion certificate. If both you and your spouse are 55 or older and want the discount applied to your shared policy, you will each need to complete the course separately. The good news: both of you will qualify for the mandatory minimum 10% discount, which can mean significant combined savings on your household auto insurance.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (“insureds 55 years old and older who successfully complete an accident prevention course”)

You have two options to renew your discount:

1. Retake the original course — complete the full 4-hour accident prevention course again
2. Take the refresher course — complete a refresher course (also up to 4 hours) designed for those who previously completed the original

Either option will earn you a new completion certificate and renew your eligibility for the mandatory minimum 10% insurance discount for another three years. There is no limit on how many times you can renew.

Renew your discount with DDI →

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 4 (“may retake the original course or take the refresher course every three years”)

The refresher course is a shorter or streamlined version of the original accident prevention course, designed specifically for drivers who have already completed the original course. It is established by the Department of Public Safety in consultation with traffic safety and medical professionals. The refresher course is no more than four hours and is based on the same curriculum as the original course. Completing the refresher qualifies you for the same mandatory minimum 10% insurance discount.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 3 (“The Department of Public Safety… may establish a refresher course for persons who have completed the original course”)

The refresher course is no more than four hours. The statute sets this as a maximum, so the refresher course may be shorter than the original four-hour course depending on the approved provider. Either way, the refresher qualifies you for the same mandatory minimum 10% premium reduction.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 3 (“The refresher course shall be no more than four hours”)

No. You can take any approved accident prevention course or refresher course to renew your discount — it doesn’t have to be from the same provider you used previously. As long as the course is approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and you receive a valid completion certificate, your new certificate will qualify you for another three-year discount period.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 4 (renewal tied to completing any qualifying course, not a specific provider)

If you don’t retake the course within three years of your last completion, your insurer will remove the discount from your premium at your next renewal. However, the statute includes a special reinstatement provision for drivers aged 58 and older: if you are 58 or older and complete the course more than three years after your last eligibility, you are entitled to reinstatement of your discount. This means even if you lapse, you can get the discount back simply by completing the course again.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 4 (“A person 58 years old and older who successfully completes a retaking of the original course or a refresher course more than three years from the date the person last was eligible… is entitled to reinstatement of this eligibility”)

This is a unique and generous feature of Minnesota law. If you are 58 years old or older and your discount has lapsed (meaning more than three years have passed since you were last eligible), completing the original course again or a refresher course reinstates your eligibility for the premium reduction. You don’t lose out permanently just because you missed the three-year renewal window. This provision ensures older drivers can always return to the program and reclaim their savings.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 4 (“A person 58 years old and older… is entitled to reinstatement of this eligibility”)

Yes. Defensive Drivers Institute (DDI) is an approved provider of the Minnesota Senior Accident Prevention Course. DDI’s course meets all requirements established by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, including the four-hour duration, approved curriculum, and certification procedures. Completing DDI’s course qualifies you for the mandatory minimum 10% insurance premium reduction under Minn. Stat. § 65B.28.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 2 (course must meet rules adopted by Commissioner of Public Safety)

Visit DDI’s Minnesota Accident Prevention Course page for current pricing. DDI is committed to keeping the course affordable — the cost is a fraction of what you’ll save with the mandatory minimum 10% insurance discount over three years. There are no hidden fees, no processing charges, and no extra certificate costs. The price you see is the complete price.

Here’s what sets Defensive Drivers Institute apart:

• Approved by the MN Department of Public Safety — meets all state requirements
• 100% online — complete from home on any device: computer, tablet, or phone
• Completely self-paced — log in and out as many times as you want; progress saves automatically
• Just 4 hours — meets the current statutory requirement with no unnecessary filler
• Instant certificate — your completion certificate is generated immediately upon finishing
• Affordable pricing — visit the course page for current pricing; no hidden fees
• Progress bookmarking — never lose your place; pick up right where you left off
• Built-in timers — ensures compliance with the 4-hour requirement

Getting started is simple:

1. Visit DDI’s Minnesota Accident Prevention Course page
2. Register — create your account and pay the course fee
3. Start learning — begin the course immediately, at your own pace
4. Get your certificate — receive it instantly upon completion
5. Submit to your insurer — send the certificate to your insurance company and start saving at least 10%

The entire process from enrollment to certificate can be completed in as little as four hours if you choose — or spread it out over days or weeks. It’s entirely up to you.

Yes. DDI offers both the original accident prevention course and the refresher course for Minnesota drivers. Whether you’re taking the course for the first time or renewing your discount after three years, DDI has you covered. Both courses qualify you for the same mandatory minimum 10% insurance premium reduction. Visit DDI’s Minnesota course page for details on both options.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 65B.28, subd. 1 (discount applies to those who complete “an accident prevention course or refresher course”)