1. General Conduct
I will always be courteous, polite, tidy and punctual. I will also behave in a professional and ethical manner at all times. My car will be well maintained, clean and tidy. It will also be fitted with dual-controls and properly insured as a driving instructors vehicle. My car is a no smoking area.
2. Qualifications
I am a properly trained and qualified Driving Standards Agency approved driving instructor who undergoes regular standards and Criminal Record Bureau background checks.
3. Driving Licence
The client must hold either a current valid provisional or full driving licence in order to undergo lessons. In advance of the first lesson, an authorisation code obtained from the DVSA must be provided allowing me to check the licence online as this is now a legal requirement of all approved driving instructors. Failure to do so will result in tuition being cancelled until it is provided.
4. Payment
If paying for block bookings by bank transfer, then it should be made in advance of the first lesson. If paying in cash for a block booking, then it should be made at the start of the first lesson. If paying in cash on a ‘pay as you go‘ basis, payment should be made at the start of each lesson.
5. Lessons
If the client is an absolute beginner, I insist that the initial 6 to 10 hours of tuition (depending on the clients ability) should be taken in 2 hour lessons in order to learn the basics of car control as 1 hour lessons are not long enough. Subsequent 2 hour lessons can then be reduced to 1 or 1.5 hours if desired. If the start date is dependent on an existing student passing their practical test and said student fails, then the start date may have to be rescheduled to allow the existing student time for additional practice and to re-take the test.
6. Lesson Postponement or Cancellation
In the event the client needs to cancel a lesson, where possible, I require 48 hours notice to avoid a cancellation fee (which is the full cost of the lesson). Cancellation fees will be charged at my discretion. I do reserve the right to postpone lessons if I consider the weather or road conditions to be unsuitable or dangerous. In the event another student has a practical driving test arranged at the same time as the client’s lesson, the test will take precedent and the lesson will either have to be cancelled or rescheduled to a time that is suitable for both parties.
7. Punctuality
Please be punctual for lesson appointments. After attempting to contact the client, I will wait for a maximum of 15 minutes after the agreed lesson start time before it would be abandoned and the lesson fee forfeited. A reciprocal waiting time may become necessary if I am delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as unusually busy traffic. Any lesson time lost as a result of this would be made up by me either at the end of the normal lesson time if possible or at a later date.
8. Refunds
Any lessons that are paid for in advance (i.e block bookings) and are not taken within 3 months of the payment date are non-refundable (apart from exceptional circumstances). If a part refund is required for lessons paid for in advance, then the hours taken will be charged at the standard hourly rate and the balance refunded.
9. Learner Comfort and Safety
In the interests of comfort and safety, learners are advised to wear suitable footwear and clothing which does not restrict movement. Learners must also take note of any medication they are taking that may affect their ability to drive safely and inform me accordingly before taking any lesson booked. This also applies to the consumption of large quantities of alcohol in the 24 hours prior to the lesson. I reserve the right to cancel and charge for the lesson if I feel you are unfit to drive.
10. The Driving Tests
If required, it is the clients responsibility to study for, book and take the theory test. I advise undertaking this as early as possible during the period of tuition as the knowledge gained provides a great foundation for the practical aspects of learning to drive. Following passing the theory test and when it is agreed the client is ready to take the practical test, I will book it on their behalf at a time suited to both parties, and where possible, arrange it for the same time as the client’s usual driving lesson. I reserve the right to refuse the use of my car to take the practical test if I feel the client is unsafe or not ready to take the test.
11. Your Statutory Rights.
These terms and conditions will not reduce the client’s statutory rights relating to faulty or incorrectly described goods or services provided. If there are any doubts about your statutory rights please contact the local Trading Standards Department or Citizen’s Advice Bureau.