Terms and Conditions

 1. Pupil Accounts and Payments

– If payment is taken in advance for driving lessons, the instructor must maintain accurate records and keep the pupil informed of their account status.
– Payment for a driving test application should typically be collected either at the time of booking or immediately before the instructor schedules the test.

2. Entitlement to Drive and Vehicle Condition

– Instructors must verify the pupil’s entitlement to drive, including their ability to read a number plate from the statutory distance. Failure to do so could result in criminal charges under the Road Traffic Act.
– It is the instructor’s responsibility to ensure the pupil arrives at the test centre with the correct documentation and, in the case of a practical driving test, in a roadworthy vehicle.

 3. Readiness for the Driving Test

– Pupil readiness for the driving test should be discussed openly, with honest feedback provided. If a pupil insists on taking the test against the instructor’s advice, the instructor reserves the right to withhold the use of the tuition vehicle.
– Sufficient notice must be given in these cases to avoid forfeiting the test fee.
– For intensive courses, pupils should be informed if they are not ready, and this should be recorded to avoid disputes.

4. Safe Driving Instruction

– Instructors will teach driving as a life skill, not merely to pass the test. Instruction will be tailored to the needs of the pupil.
– Driving tuition should cover a variety of roads and traffic conditions. Repeated practice on the same test routes or manoeuvres in the same locations is discouraged.
– Care must be taken to avoid causing a nuisance to local residents during lessons.

 5. Lesson Time

– The full duration of each paid lesson is dedicated to the pupil’s instruction. Time should not be used for the instructor’s personal matters.

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Conciliation

 Complaint Procedure

– The instructor must have a procedure for dealing with complaints in an open, honest, and fair manner.
– The Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors can offer advice to resolve disputes.

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Appointment Card

– Pupils will receive an appointment card either before or at their first lesson. It is recommended that pupils bring their appointment card to each session to book their next lesson.

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 Driving Licence

– Pupils must ensure they hold a valid driving licence, which should be presented at the first lesson and may be periodically checked by the instructor.
– Pupils must inform the instructor of any endorsements or disabilities that may affect their ability to drive during the course of their tuition.

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 Client Wellbeing

– For safety and comfort, pupils should wear appropriate footwear and clothing that allows free movement. Please ask your instructor for guidance if needed.

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Tuition Fees

– Tuition fees are as stated in the driving school’s price list and are payable in advance. All accounts must be settled before proceeding with a driving test.

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School/Instructor Guarantee

– Only legally authorised instructors will provide instruction. Official authorising documents will be displayed in the vehicle and available for inspection.
– If a trainee instructor is used, pupils must be informed and have the right to decline their services. Trainee instructors may have senior supervisors present during lessons.

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 Postponement or Cancellation by Clients

– At least two working days’ notice (excluding weekends and public holidays) is required for postponements or cancellations. Late cancellations may incur charges as per the price list.
– Cancellations or postponements should be communicated in writing, by phone, or by text and will be deemed received when acknowledged by the instructor.

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 Postponement by the Driving School

– In the case of vehicle failure or emergency, the school will reschedule the lesson by mutual agreement. If the postponement affects a driving test, the school will cover the cost of the next test, if it cannot be cancelled in time.
– Driving tests take priority over regular lessons, so lessons may be rescheduled if short-notice test slots become available.

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Postponement or Cancellation of a Driving Test

– The DVSA requires five clear working days’ notice for test cancellations or postponements. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the test fee.
– The school/instructor is not responsible for fees lost due to the pupil’s failure to cancel a test in time or if the DVSA cancels a test.
– In the event of a DVSA test cancellation, fees for lessons or vehicle hire will still be payable.

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The Driving Test

– Your instructor will advise when you are ready to apply for a test. This advice does not guarantee that the required standard will be reached by the test date.
– The school/instructor reserves the right to withhold use of the school vehicle for the test if the pupil is deemed unfit or unsafe to drive, including but not limited to:
– Not at driving test standard
– Medically unfit (including eyesight)
– Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
– Unlicensed or disqualified
– Consistently late or in arrears of payment
– For any other reason the instructor deems necessary
– Pupils must take the required documents to the driving test. Failure to present these will result in the cancellation of the test and forfeiture of the test fee.

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 Lessons in Own Car

– Lessons may be given in the pupil’s own car, provided:
– The car is insured for driving tuition, confirmed in writing by the insurance provider.
– The instructor is covered by the insurance to drive the vehicle.
– The instructor is not held liable for any accidents or damage.
– A second rear-view mirror, approved seatbelt, and head restraint must be provided for the instructor.
– There will generally be no reduction in lesson fees for using the pupil’s vehicle.

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 Insurance

– School vehicles are fully insured for tuition and driving tests. The insurance certificate is available for inspection upon request.
– The school/instructor is not liable for any loss or damage to personal property.

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Legal Liability

– The primary objective of the instructor is to promote road safety. Pupils must follow instructions for safety without unnecessary argument.
– The instructor will train pupils to the highest standard, but cannot be held liable for any mistakes made by the pupil while driving unaccompanied, either before or after passing the test.

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 Complaints

– Any concerns should be raised with the instructor as soon as possible, and no later than seven days after the issue arises. The school/instructor will make every effort to resolve the matter according to their Code of Practice.

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Payment Details

– Lessons are based on one-hour units and typically start from the client’s home or an agreed location.
– Payment for lessons is due in advance. Notice of any fee adjustments will be given two weeks prior to changes.

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Cancellations

– Instructors reserve the right to charge for lessons cancelled with less than two working days’ notice.
– Clients should notify the instructor directly via the contact details on their appointment card if a lesson needs to be cancelled.
– In the event of lateness, the instructor will wait up to 10 minutes before the lesson is deemed a no-show. Lessons will begin from the agreed start time or the instructor’s arrival, if delayed.