Introduction

The following terms and conditions represent the basis upon which driving lessons and courses are offered by myself in the Oakham, Melton Mowbray and Rutland area. Please note: This contract for service is between yourself and your instructor. I operate my own driving school business under the following terms and conditions.

1. General Conduct

I agree to be courteous, polite, tidy and punctual and I will behave in a professional and ethical manner at all times. My car will be well maintained, clean and tidy at all times. My car is fitted with dual-controls as part of their standard equipment and of course is fully insured for driving tuition. I do not smoke, nor will I use your lesson time for any other purpose but teaching to drive.

2. Qualifications

I am fully licensed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to give driving tuition. This involves passing certain tests and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. I am also proficient in the use of the Client Centered Learning, form of tuition.

3. Course Materials

I will provide you with a free copy of my driving tuition book when you book lessons with me.

4. Driving License and Eyesight

The learner must hold a current, valid driving licence (provisional or full), which must be produced on or in advance of their first lesson. The learner must also check that they can read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres (i.e. 67 feet - about 5 car lengths) with prescribed visual aids (i.e. contact lenses or glasses) if normally worn.

5. Payments

Please note: payments must be made in advance of the training. To book a course, a 50% deposit or the full course fee (if the course start date is within 4 weeks of the booking date) is required.

Please note: the deposit or any subsequent training fees paid are not refundable in the event you deciding to cancel the training once the booking has been accepted by your instructor. At this point a binding agreement is made between yourself and the your instructor. This does not in any way affect your statutory rights to be provided with the goods and services you have bought (please see term 11).

6. Lesson Postponement

Normally the pupil must give more than 24 hours notice to cancel a lesson and provided the your instructor can easily obtain additional work for any individual lessons postponed, no penalty will be incurred. If this is not possible the full training fee for the period in question may, at the total discretion of your instructor, be lost or charged. Your instructor reserves the right to postpone lessons if he or she feels the weather or road conditions are unsuitable or dangerous. Any lessons postponed will be rescheduled at a mutually agreed time. Your instructor cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred as a result of him or her having to postpone any lessons, for whatever reason.

7. Driving Under the Influence

To ensure the safety of you, your instructor and other road users your instructor reserves the right to cancel any lesson if you are or if they suspect the pupil is under the influence of drugs and or alcohol (prescribed or otherwise). If this occurs the full training fee for the period in question will be lost or charged.

8. The Driving Test

a) Bookings

Driving tests can be booked by you or your instructor on your behalf. If a client wishes to book their own driving test they should check if I consider they would be ready for a particular date prior to them booking a test. Driving test bookings always take priority over other lessons. Therefore, your lesson may be postponed to allow for someone else's driving test and vice-versa. Changes to lesson bookings as a result of this will be notified immediately. Test appointments must be notified to your instructor as soon as they are known; otherwise, they cannot guarantee to provide a vehicle for the test.

b) Use of My Vehicle

In the interests of customer and public safety your instructor reserves the right to withhold the use of a car for the test if, in their opinion, your driving is actually or potentially dangerous.

c) Test Cancellation

The DVSA requires three clear working days notice of cancellation or postponement of your test. Failure to provide the required notice will result in the loss of your test fee. Your instructor cannot be held responsible for any postponement or cancellation of tests by you or the DVSA for any reason. However, they will assist you in arranging a new test should this occur. In addition, they will advise you on how to reclaim expenses from the DVSA should they cancel your test without proper notice.

9. Punctuality

In their own interest learners are advised to be punctual for lesson appointments. All such appointments should be recorded (and checked where possible by their local instructor) in your driving tuition book (diary section) to ensure mistakes are avoided. The instructor would normally wait for a maximum of 15 minutes before the full lesson would be abandoned and the lesson fee forfeited or become due for payment. A reciprocal waiting time may become necessary if your instructor is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Any lesson time lost as a result of this would be made up by your instructor either at the end of the normal lesson time if possible or at a later date. Any such shortfall should be recorded in the driving tuition book and initiated by your instructor.

10. 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 their instructor accordingly before taking any lesson booked.

11. Your Statutory Rights

These terms and conditions will not reduce your statutory rights relating to faulty or incorrectly described goods or services provided. Your instructor has a statutory obligation to provide you with goods and services fit for the purpose for which they were bought and as described. If you have any doubts about your statutory rights please contact your local Trading Standards Department or Citizen's Advice Bureau.