Terms of Service

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These terms & conditions of business are a contract between the student (including the person or business responsible for the funding of the driving tuition) and Lawrence’s Driving School, including driving instructors of Lawrence’s Driving School.

The student will be informed of any amendments to these terms & conditions of business, at least 7 days prior to the amendment.

By accepting lessons with Lawrence’s Driving School, the student agrees to the terms and conditions as detailed below:

1. Code of Practice

1.1 Lawrence’s Driving School driving instructors abide by a Professional Code of Practice, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/driving-instructor-code-of-practice

1.2 Lawrence’s Driving School ensures:

1.2.1 The instructor agrees to provide the student with a car which is legally roadworthy, taxed, insured and holds a valid M.O.T. (where necessary).

1.2.2 The instructor’s car will be clean, tidy and fitted with dual controls.

1.2.3 The instructor will be courteous and polite, and will not use improper language or suggestion.

1.2.4 The instructor will not make or receive calls or texts during the lesson unless in an emergency and when the car is stopped in a safe place.

2. Entitlement to drive

2.1 The student must hold a current, valid driving licence that entitles them to drive in the UK.

2.2 The student must satisfy the requirements of medical fitness to drive, including compliance with the regulations for eyesight, being able read a number plate at the prescribed distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet) with glasses/contact lenses if normally worn. Where glasses or contact lenses are required in order to meet the eyesight requirement for driving, they must be worn at all times while the student is driving.

2.3 The driving licence must be produced at the student’s first driving lesson, and may also be checked periodically by the driving instructor. Any points, endorsements, bans, convictions, or restrictions of any kind on the student’s licence must be notified to the instructor immediately.

3. Fitness to Drive

3.1 It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are fit to drive. The student must inform their driving instructor as soon as possible of any medical condition, disability or injury that may affect their ability or entitlement to drive. The student must inform their driving instructor or if they feel unwell before or during a lesson.

3.2 The student must ensure that they do not drive whilst under the influence of alcohol (including the day after consuming alcohol which may result in still being over the legal drink drive limit), or drugs (some prescription and ‘over the counter’ medicines can cause drowsiness). The student should ensure that they do not arrange driving lessons at times when they are likely to be tired, stressed, or otherwise distracted.

3.3 The student must wear suitable footwear, and clothing that does not restrict movement, or impede their ability to drive safely in any way.

4. Behaviour

4.1 Lawrence’s Driving School or the driving instructor will not tolerate any form of verbal or physical abuse, whether directed at the driving instructor, a driving examiner, or any other road user.

4.2 The driving instructor reserves the right to terminate any lesson at any stage should, in their sole opinion, feel that it is inappropriate to continue because of the student’s behaviour, sobriety or state of mind. In these circumstances the lesson fee is forfeited, and it is at the instructor’s sole discretion as to whether further transport is provided.

5. Lesson Fees

5.1 Before or on the first driving lesson, the student will be supplied with details of driving lesson fees. Any alteration of driving lessons fees will always be notified in advance.

5.2 Special Offers are provided entirely at the discretion of Lawrence’s Driving School and can be changed or withdrawn at any time and without prior notice.

5.3 All driving lessons must be paid for in advance.

5.3.1 Where a driving lesson is NOT pre-paid the instructor will NOT attend the lesson unless a pre-arrangement is made in advance of the lesson whereby the student has agreed to pay the instructor on or before the lesson time.

5.4 Payments may be made by cash, debit card or bank transfer.

5.5 Payments made directly to Lawrence’s Driving School ensures the agreement and the responsibility for the provision of driving lessons are with Lawrence’s Driving School.

5.6 The student will accept that any lessons paid for in advance directly to the driving instructor results in the agreement and responsibility for the provision of driving lessons being direct with the instructor.

5.7 Lawrence’s Driving School does not provide credit facilities under any circumstances and driving lessons will only take place when payment is received in advance.

5.8 Where payment has been made for Driving Lessons the student must use the service within 6 months from the date of payment after which there will be no obligation to provide the service. Upon request, a refund will be provided in line with section 13 of these terms.

6. Change of Driving Instructor

6.1 It is the aim of Lawrence’s Driving School to have one driving instructor throughout a student’s course of driving lessons in order to aid continuity.

6.2 In special circumstances a change of driving instructor may be necessary. In these circumstances the student shall have the right to decline lessons from the replacement driving instructor. Lawrence’s Driving School will not be responsible for any losses (e.g. test fees) if the student chooses to decline driving lessons from the replacement driving instructor.

6.3 If the student requests a different driving instructor, this request will be granted as soon as possible.

7. Change of Tuition Vehicle

7.1 Tuition vehicles are periodically changed, either permanently or when a vehicle is replaced temporarily, due to mechanical or other problems.

7.2 Lawrence’s Driving School or the driving instructor will not be responsible for any losses (e.g. test fees) if the student chooses to decline lessons in the replacement vehicle.

7.3 Where the student requests a different driving instructor with the same car they have been learning to drive in, where possible, Lawrence’s Driving School will endeavour to fulfil this request to enable the student to continue driving lessons or take their test on the booked date.

8. Driving lesson cancellations by the instructor

8.1 Driving lessons may sometimes need to be cancelled at short notice due to adverse weather conditions, a fault with the driving instructor’s car, the driving instructor being ill or some other emergency or unforeseen occurrence. Every effort will be made to notify the student as soon as practicable.

8.2 The driving instructor will rearrange any appointment to a time suitable for both parties.

9. Driving lesson cancellations by the student

9.1 The student must give 48 hours notice when cancelling a driving lesson, otherwise, the cancellation fee will apply.

9.2 Where a student requests a reduced lesson length e.g. reducing a 2-hour driving lesson reduced to a 1-hour driving lesson, the lesson will be charged at the full rate.

9.3 Where the instructor has attended the pick up point (e.g. the pupils home) with the intention to coach a lesson, and the pupil cancels at this time, the lesson will be charged at full rate.

9.4 The student must confirm cancellations by text or email to Lawrence’s Driving School, or directly with the driving instructor.

9.5 Where a student repeatedly cancels lessons, the driving instructor reserves the right to:

9.5.1 Impose a longer period of notice required for the cancellation of driving lessons

9.5.2 Insist on prepayment for all driving lessons

9.5.3 Discontinue driving lessons with the student

9.6 Where the student is, in the driving instructor’s sole opinion, not fit to drive through alcohol, drugs or any other condition, the driving lesson will be cancelled and the driving lesson will be charged in full.

10. Appointment Times

10.1 The student should keep a record of appointment dates and times in order to avoid missed appointments.

10.2 The driving instructor will wait 10 minutes after the appointment time before deeming the driving lesson to have been cancelled with insufficient notice.

10.3 The driving instructor will make every effort to be punctual, however traffic conditions may sometimes make this difficult, so the student should allow a 10 minute waiting period.

10.4 The driving lesson will commence either at the appointed time, or, where the driving instructor arrives late, the student will be offered a reduced driving lesson rate, or where possible, the same length of driving lesson originally booked, or additional time on a subsequent driving lesson.

10.5 If the student requires the driving instructor to pick them up or drop them off at a different location than the ones originally agreed, then the driving instructor will need 24 hours notice. In this instance, the driving instructor may need to start later or finish the driving lesson earlier than planned depending on the location of the new address.

11. Driving Tests

11.1 Driving tests should not be booked without first ascertaining the availability of the driving instructor, and agreement being reached between the driving instructor and student regarding readiness for the driving test. This includes the availability of the instructor to supply the necessary number of lessons leading up to the test.

11.2 No responsibility will be taken by Lawrence’s Driving School for driving tests booked by the student at times when the driving instructor is unavailable either for the test or to deliver the required number of lessons leading up to the test.

11.3 Where the driving instructor is unavailable, and where possible, Lawrence’s Driving School may be able to locate a different driving instructor to enable the student to take their driving test on the booked date. Where the student agrees, they agree to accept the replacement driving instructor’s car as the car they will be driving on their driving test.

11.4 The driving instructor’s car is available to the student for test purposes at the same rate as a normal hourly driving lesson.

11.5 Students should notify their driving instructor of the date, time and location of their driving test. No responsibility will be taken by Lawrence’s Driving School or the driving instructor for incorrect driving test information provided by the student.

11.6 Students will only be allowed the use of the driving instructor’s car for a driving test if the driving instructor agrees that the student is at test standard. The driving instructor reserves the right to refuse the use of their car for the practical driving test, if in their professional opinion the student has not reached a sufficient standard of competence, to take full responsibility for the safety of the vehicle and other road users. Where possible, the driving instructor may recommend further driving lessons if there is time available before the test date, however, if the standard required is still not met, the driving instructor reserves the right to refuse the use of their car for test purposes.

11.7 Where the use of the driving instructor’s car is withheld for a driving test, the driving instructor will, where possible give the student sufficient notice to enable the student to cancel or reschedule the test without loss of the test fee. No responsibility will be taken by the driving instructor or Lawrence’s Driving School for withdrawing the use of the car for the driving test when the driving instructor assesses the student as not being ready for test.

12. Cancelled Driving Tests

12.1.1 When a driving test is cancelled due to a fault with the driving instructor’s car, illness of the driving instructor or any other reason that is the responsibility of the driving instructor, then the student will be entitled to the cost of their next driving test fee to be paid for by the driving instructor.

12.1.2 The driving test fee will not be reimbursed if the student is given sufficient notice to cancel their driving test appointment without loss of the driving test fee.

12.2 The driving instructor will not be responsible for any additional driving lesson fees incurred whilst waiting for the next driving test appointment.

12.3 Where possible, Lawrence’s Driving School will endeavour to locate a different driving instructor to enable the student to take their driving test on the booked date. Where the student agrees, they agree to accept the replacement driving instructor’s car as the car they will be driving on their driving test.

12.4 Where a driving test is cancelled by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), the full fees due to the driving instructor for driving lessons and the use of the car for the driving test are still payable in full, unless cancelled in accordance with the normal period of notice.

12.5 Where the DVSA cancel a test at short notice, it may be possible to claim back a proportion of driving lesson fees and other expenses from the DVSA. This is the responsibility of the student.

12.6 When the DVSA cancel a driving test for any reason except adverse weather conditions, the DVSA will arrange a new driving test date at no extra cost to the student.

12.7 Where a driving test is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, the DVSA will reschedule the driving test at no cost to the student, however, the full fees due to the driving instructor for driving lessons and the use of the car for the driving test are still payable in full, unless cancelled in accordance with the normal period of notice. The student will not be able to claim these fees back from the DVSA. (see Claim expenses for a cancelled driving test for more info).

12.8 When a driving test is cancelled because the student’s documents are not in order, because the student is ill, the student has given incorrect test information or for any other reason that is the responsibility of the student, the driving instructor and Lawrence’s Driving School are not responsible for the loss of driving test fees. The full fees due to the driving instructor for driving lessons and the use of the car for the driving test are still payable in full, unless cancelled in accordance with the normal period of notice.

13. Refunds

13.1 When a student pays in advance for driving lessons, they shall be entitled to a refund at any time for unused driving lessons providing this is in accordance with the normal period of notice and refund request is made in writing.

13.2 Where a discount has been given for the prepayment of driving lessons, and a refund is requested, the driving lessons already taken by the student will be charged at the normal driving hourly lesson rate, and the balance then refunded. Any short notice cancellations made by the student (short notice is less than 48 hours as set out in clause 9.1) will not be included in the refund.

13.3 Refunds will be made within 10 working days of the request where appropriate.

13.4 No Driving Session refunds are eligible for time booked for Driving Tests where the conditions apply in section 12 above.

14. Supervision

14.1 For the purposes of assessing, maintaining and improving standards, it may occasionally be necessary for a driving instructor trainer or driving examiner to observe a driving instructor giving a driving lesson. The driving instructor will gain permission from the student before the supervised driving lesson commences.

14.2 Driving Examiners are periodically supervised conducting driving tests, therefore the student may be accompanied on their driving test by a supervising examiner. This is a legal requirement.

14.3 The student will be asked before their driving test commences if they would like their driving instructor to accompany them on the driving test. It is the student’s choice to either agree or refuse.

14.4 With the permission of the driving instructor, students can allow friends or family members to accompany them on driving lessons. The student may want to demonstrate their ability to the passenger, the passenger may want reassurance or advice from the instructor for when they supervise the student during private practice, or the student may want to practice carrying passengers ready for when they become a full licence holder or for when they take their driving test with their driving instructor as an observer.

15. Lessons in Student’s Own Car

15.1.1 All driving lessons are normally conducted in the driving instructor’s car. Where requested, driving lessons may be given in the student’s own car.

15.1.2 This will only be done if the driving instructor is willing to do so, and they may require an initial driving assessment in the driving instructor’s dual controlled car before doing so.

15.1.3 The student’s car must be legally roadworthy, taxed, insured and hold a valid M.O.T. (when necessary).

15.1.4 The student’s car must be insured for the use of the driving instructor to give professional driving tuition, and for the driving instructor to drive. This must be confirmed in writing by the student’s insurance company.

15.2 The use of the student’s car is entirely at the student’s own risk, and the driving instructor will not be held liable for any damage, accident or any traffic offences caused by the student or otherwise.

16. Student’s Property

16.1 The student is responsible for the care of any property they have with them when attending a driving lesson and should ensure they do not leave anything behind.

16.2 Lawrence’s Driving School and the driving instructor will take no responsibility for any loss of, or damage to, any property belonging to, or in the possession of the student.

17. Legal Liability

17.1 The student, in accordance with road traffic law, is legally responsible for any traffic offences that occur whilst they are in charge of the vehicle.

17.2 The driving instructor will endeavour to train the student to the highest possible standard, however they cannot be held responsible for the standard of driving or any errors that are committed whilst the student is driving without the driving instructor’s supervision, either before or after the student passes a driving test.

18. Termination of Agreement

18.1 The driving instructor reserves the right to terminate this agreement with the pupil at any time and for any reason he or she sees fit including but not limited to; student not booking lessons for three weeks or more, student and instructor not forming an effective learning relationship, any reason previously stated in clause 3 (Fitness to Drive), student refusing to pay cancellation or lesson fees and any breach of this agreement.

18.2 The student may terminate this agreement with the driving school at any time and for any reason.

18.3 In the event of termination of this agreement the driving instructor will no longer be obliged to attend or deliver any sessions pre booked by the student.

18.4 Any owed monies will be reimbursed to the student in accordance to the refund policy stated herein. Likewise, any monies owed to the instructor will still remain owed by the student until paid.

19. Complaints

19.1 If the student is not happy with any aspect of their driving lessons, or of the standard of service offered, they should either raise the matter directly with Lawrence’s Driving School with the minimum delay, and/or in writing via email to contact@lawrencesdrivingschool.com and not later than seven days from the date of the cause of the complaint. If you are not satisfied with the result of your complaint to Lawrence’s Driving School, you may wish to contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency on 0300 200 1122 who may be able to help you.

19.2 Every effort will be made by Lawrence’s Driving School to resolve any complaint or issue.

20. Data Protection

20.1 Lawrence’s Driving School takes data protection very seriously. Any data held by Lawrence’s Driving School is held securely and is only used for the purpose of Lawrence’s Driving School directly.

20.2 Student details will not be given to any other party without the permission of the student unless required to do so by law.

20.3 Students of Lawrence’s Driving School may be included in various forms of mailing that Lawrence’s Driving School deems of interest to the student. Students will be able to opt out of mailings at any time, either directly through the media used or by emailing their request to content@lawrencesdrivingschool.com