ALL PASS DRIVING SCHOOL

Clause 1: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• • 1.1. Data Collection: The School only collects personal details necessary to arrange and manage driving lessons and courses.
  • 1.2. Storage & Sharing: Pupil data is stored electronically and shared exclusively with the assigned driving instructor.
  • 1.3. Data Retention: All personal data is permanently destroyed once the contract terminates or expires.
  • 1.4. Privacy Guarantee: Personal data will never be shared with or sold to any third parties.
  • 1.5. Queries: Pupils may contact the School directly to discuss any concerns regarding personal data.

Clause 2: General Cancellation Terms

• • 2.1. Written Notice: All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to info@allpassdriving.co.uk.
  • 2.2. Hourly Lessons: Standard hourly driving lessons require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Late cancellations will be charged in full.
  • 2.3. Non-Compliance: Failure to follow the cancellation policy will result in the lesson or course being charged in full.

Clause 3: Intensive Driving Course Cancellations

• • 3.1. Pre-Commencement: Intensive course deposits are strictly non-refundable.
  • 3.2. Deposit Exception: Deposits are only refunded if the instructor successfully fills the exact time slot with another client’s course.
  • 3.3. Cancellation Charges: Approved deposit refunds are subject to a £95 cancellation fee.
  • 3.4. Administration Fees: If the School waives the £95 fee due to extreme or irregular circumstances, a £45 administration fee applies instead.
  • 3.5. Post-Commencement: If a pupil cancels a course after it has started, the full course fee is charged unless alternative work is secured for the instructor.
  • 3.6. Short-Notice Bookings: Courses booked within 14 days of the start date cannot be cancelled. Full payment is required, and legal action may be taken to recover unpaid fees.

Clause 4: Refunds and Rate Adjustments

• • 4.1. Hourly Rate Recalculation: If a refund is agreed upon, the intensive course discount is voided. All completed training hours will be recalculated and charged at the standard rate of £48 per hour.
  • 4.2. Full and Final Settlement: Any agreed refund is issued as a full and final settlement, immediately terminating the contract.
  • 4.3. Refund Processing: Approved goodwill refunds exceeding £250 will be paid in full within 3 months of the agreement date.
  • 4.4. Future Discounts: As a gesture of goodwill, the School will apply a discount to a new intensive course if booked within 3 months of the original cancellation.

Clause 5: School Rights and Instructor Cancellations

• • 5.1. Rescheduling: The School reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses if operational circumstances dictate it necessary.
  • 5.2. Instructor Cancellations: If an instructor must cancel or terminate a course due to operational reasons, the pupil will receive a full refund for all outstanding, untaken hours.

Clause 6: Pupil Conduct and Responsibilities

• • 6.1. Fitness to Drive: Pupils must be fit to drive and meet all legal requirements. Lessons will be terminated immediately if the instructor suspects the pupil is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that impairs driving ability. The full lesson fee will still apply.
  • 6.2. Licence Verification: It is the pupil’s responsibility to hold a valid provisional driving licence and provide their licence details/check code to the instructor prior to the first lesson.

Clause 7: Practical Driving Test Bookings

• • 7.1. Pupil Responsibility: It is entirely the pupil’s responsibility to book, manage, and pay for their own practical driving test via the official DVSA booking service.
  • 7.2. Vehicle Availability: Before booking a test date, the pupil must consult with their instructor to ensure vehicle availability. The School accepts no liability for tests booked without the instructor’s prior approval.

Clause 8: Motoring Offences and Penalties

• • 8.1. Legal Liability: The pupil is legally liable for any motoring offences, speeding tickets, parking fines, or congestion charges incurred while they are driving the tuition vehicle.
  • 8.2. Points and Fines: Any penalty points or fines issued during a lesson or practical test remain the sole responsibility of the pupil.

Clause 9: Breakdowns and Adverse Weather

• • 9.1. Mechanical Failure: In the event of a mechanical breakdown or vehicle failure, the School will make every effort to reschedule the affected training hours. No financial compensation will be provided for lost time.
  • 9.2. Adverse Weather: The instructor reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any lesson if weather conditions make driving dangerous. Pupils will not be charged for lessons cancelled due to hazardous weather.

Clause 10: Intensive Course Scheduling and Punctuality

• • 10.1. Standard Training Hours: Training for intensive driving courses is conducted between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
  • 10.2. Course Start Times: All intensive courses must commence between 9:00 am and 10:00 am unless alternative arrangements are confirmed in writing (via email or text message) prior to commencement.
  • 10.3. Pupil Punctuality: Pre-agreed driving lessons will start and finish at the designated times. If a pupil is late for any reason, the lost time remains fully chargeable and will not be extended.

Clause 11: Instructor Lateness Policy

• • 11.1. Acceptable Lateness Threshold: Pupils accept that instructors may occasionally be delayed by 15 to 20 minutes due to unavoidable circumstances. These include traffic fluctuations, roadworks, accidents, previous pupil delays, or overrunning DVSA practical tests.
  • 11.2. Time Recovery: If an instructor is late within the 20-minute threshold, the delayed time will be added to the end of the lesson or rescheduled for a mutually convenient time. If time recovery is not possible, the pupil will not be charged for the lost time.
  • 11.3. Excessive Lateness: If an instructor is delayed by more than 20 minutes, the School will reschedule the lesson for another date at no financial loss to the pupil.
  • 11.4. Package Agreement: By booking any driving training package, the pupil explicitly acknowledges and accepts this lateness policy.

Clause 12: Discounted Block Bookings and Refund Calculations

• • 12.1. Standard Rate Recalculation: Promotional block bookings and intensive driving courses are offered at discounted rates. If a refund is approved for any uncompleted lessons, all hours already trained will lose the discount and be charged at the standard rate of £48 per hour.
  • 12.2. Refund Calculation Example: If a pupil purchases a 10-lesson block for £430 but only completes 5 lessons before requesting an approved refund, the 5 completed hours are recalculated at the standard rate (5 hours x £48 = £240). The remaining balance of £190 will be refunded.

Clause 13: Agency and Contracts of Service

• • 13.1. Agency Status: The School acts strictly as a booking and administrative agent for independent, self-employed Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs).
  • 13.2. Contractual Parties: The contract for all driving tuition exists solely between the pupil and the assigned ADI. The School holds no liability for disputes, compensation claims, or ADI conduct.
  • 13.3. Legal Liabilities: The School is not responsible for any motoring offences, traffic violations, or penalties incurred by either the pupil or the ADI.
  • 13.4. Dispute Resolution: Any issues regarding tuition must be raised with the ADI directly. The School will offer reasonable administrative assistance to help resolve disputes where possible.
  • 13.5. Contract Commencement: The contract between the School and the pupil begins on the date the deposit is paid.

Clause 14: Fees, Deposits, and Remaining Balances

• • 14.1. Non-Refundable Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure an ADI allocation. If the School cannot source a suitable ADI for the requested course, this deposit will be refunded in full.
  • 14.2. Arrangement Fee: All intensive course bookings are subject to a £25 non-refundable arrangement fee.
  • 14.3. Transaction Charges: A 2.9% transaction charge applies to all deposit payments.
  • 14.4. Remaining Balance Payments: The remaining course balance must be paid in full before tuition can begin. This must be paid either directly to the instructor in cash on day one, or via bank transfer seven days prior to commencement.
  • 14.5. Intermediary Payments: If the pupil requests to pay the remaining balance via the School, the School acts strictly as an intermediary and will transfer the funds to the ADI at the earliest opportunity.
  • 14.6. Non-Payment Penalties: Failure to meet balance payment deadlines will result in immediate course cancellation or postponement, and the deposit will be forfeited.

Clause 15: Course Scheduling and Communications

• • 15.1. Lesson Scheduling: The pupil and the assigned ADI must mutually agree on a complete schedule of lesson dates and times in writing (via email or text message) before the course begins.
  • 15.2. Advance Bookings: For courses booked several months in advance, the ADI will contact the pupil at least four weeks before the start date. All interim correspondence must go through the School head office.
  • 15.3. Short-Notice Bookings: For courses booked on short notice, the ADI will contact the pupil within 24 hours to arrange the lesson schedule.
  • 15.4. Normal Operational Hours: Standard intensive course training takes place Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Courses must start between 9:00 am and 10:00 am unless otherwise agreed in writing.
  • 15.5. Out-of-Hours Premium: Weekend, early morning, and evening lessons are subject to instructor availability and must be requested prior to booking. These hours incur an additional charge of £12 per hour, with a minimum booking requirement of 2 hours per session.
  • 15.6. Instructor Breaks: Instructors are legally entitled to reasonable comfort, meal, and beverage breaks during long training days.

Clause 16: Practical Driving Tests

• • 16.1. Pupil Test Booking: Pupils must book, manage, and pay for their own practical driving test directly with the DVSA.
  • 16.2. Test Time Inclusion: The time required to sit the practical driving test (approximately 45 minutes) is included within the total hours of the purchased intensive driving course.
  • 16.3. Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Instructors will pick up and drop off pupils from a location of their choice, provided it is within close proximity to the chosen DVSA Test Centre. If the location is outside this area, an alternative mutual meeting point must be agreed upon.

Clause 17: Administrative Enrolment and Marketing

• • 17.1. Enrolment Requirements: Pupils must complete and submit the official Enrolment Form before any intensive course training can begin.
  • 17.2. Terms Agreement: Following a deposit payment, the pupil must confirm in writing via email that they accept these terms and conditions. Training will remain on hold until this written confirmation is received.
  • 17.3. Course Documentation: Pupils will receive their Enrolment Form, Receipt Form, and Lesson Record Form via email. The pupil must print two copies of each and present them to the instructor on their first lesson.
  • 17.4. Marketing and Media: The School reserves the right to use pupil promotional photographs (taken by the instructor or provided by the pupil) for marketing purposes. Pupils hold the right to opt-out or request the permanent deletion of their photos at any time.

Clause 18: Documentation and Administrative Forms

• • 18.1. Required Paperwork: The pupil must print two physical copies of their forms and present them to the instructor on their first driving lesson. One copy is retained by the pupil, and the other is kept by the instructor.
  • 18.2. Enrolment Completion: The Pupil Enrolment Form must be fully completed on the very first day of the training course.
  • 18.3. Receipts for Payments: The pupil must ensure they receive a signed receipt from their instructor for all monies paid directly to them on the first day.
  • 18.4. Lesson Logging: The pupil must log and sign off all completed training hours on their daily record form at the conclusion of every lesson.

Clause 19: Changes to Assigned Instructors and Sub-Contracting

• • 19.1. Instructor Change Requests: Any request by a pupil to change their assigned instructor after a course has started must be mutually agreed upon between the pupil and the instructor.
  • 19.2. Commercial Viability: If an instructor cannot source alternative work for the remaining duration of a cancelled slot, a change of instructor will be deemed commercially non-viable, and the original course fee remains payable in full.
  • 19.3. Sub-Contracting: If the School cannot allocate one of its primary instructors to a course, it reserves the right to sub-contract the tuition to an external, fully qualified ADI. All sub-contracted courses remain strictly bound by these terms and conditions.
  • 19.4. Communication Issues: If a pupil cannot establish contact with their assigned instructor, they must notify the School head office immediately. If the School also fails to contact the instructor after exhausting all avenues, the pupil will be offered an alternative instructor or a refund.

Clause 20: Complaint Procedures and Compliance

• • 20.1. Reporting Breaches: If a pupil believes their course is not being conducted in strict compliance with these agreed terms and conditions, they must contact the School head office immediately to report the matter.
  • 20.2. Contact Channels: The School must be contacted directly via telephone at 07944 101200 or via email at info@allpassdriving.co.uk.

Clause 21: Final Supplemental Cancellation and Refund Rules

• • 21.1. Short-Notice Cancellations: Intensive courses booked within 7 days of their scheduled start date are completely non-cancellable. The remaining course fees must be paid in full, and legal action will be initiated to recover any unpaid balances.
  • 21.2. Standard Intensive Cancellations: For regular intensive courses, cancellations are only accepted within 14 working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays) of the initial booking date.
  • 21.3. Mitigating Slot Losses: No cancellation penalties apply to a course balance if the instructor successfully fills the vacated training slot with alternative work. If alternative work cannot be sourced, the instructor reserves the right to charge the training fee in full.
  • 21.4. Early Termination by Pupil: If a pupil chooses to walk away from or terminate their intensive course before completing their hours, the School will not issue a refund for any unused time.
  • 21.5. Test Refusal for Incomplete Training: The School and the instructor reserve the absolute right to refuse the use of the tuition vehicle for the practical driving test if a pupil fails to complete the full number of training hours booked.

Clause 22: Course Postponements and Incomplete Training

• • 22.1. Postponement Requests: Pupils wishing to postpone an intensive driving course must discuss and arrange the matter directly with their assigned instructor.
  • 22.2. Pre-Test Hour Completion: If a postponement is approved, all booked training hours must be completed before the pupil sits their practical driving test.
  • 22.3. Forfeiture of Unused Hours: If a pupil chooses to sit their practical driving test before completing all hours of their intensive course, no refunds or credits will be issued for the remaining uncompleted hours.

Clause 23: Pupil Non-Communication and Absence

• • 23.1. Suspension for Non-Communication: If a pupil fails to respond to communications from their instructor, the School and the instructor reserve the right to suspend all scheduled lessons until communication is re-established.
  • 23.2. Time Constraints Upon Return: Once communication is re-established, the instructor will reschedule outstanding hours subject to availability. The School accepts no liability if a tight time frame prevents the pupil from receiving their remaining hours before a scheduled test.
  • 23.3. Unexcused Absence: If a pupil is absent from a scheduled session without prior agreement from their instructor, the missing time will be charged in full at the course’s pro-rata rate.
  • 23.4. Minimum Cancellation Charge: For any cancelled or missed lesson where a specific duration was not previously assigned, a mandatory minimum charge of 2.5 hours applies.

Clause 24: Course Expirations and Suitability

• • 24.1. Three-Month Completion Window: All intensive driving courses must be fully completed within 3 months of the deposit payment date.
  • 24.2. DVSA Wait Time Extensions: If local DVSA practical test waiting lists exceed 3 months, the completion window will automatically extend to match the specific timeframe of the pupil’s booked test date.
  • 24.3. Course Suitability: Intensive courses require high focus and can be challenging. Finding the pace or nature of an intensive course difficult does not constitute a valid reason for cancellation, and no refunds will be issued on these grounds.

Clause 25: Lesson Durations and Test Day Logistics

• • 25.1. Minimum Session Length: A minimum lesson duration of 2.5 hours applies to all intensive driving course sessions, unless expressly agreed otherwise with the instructor.
  • 25.2. Test Day Travel Allocation: Depending on the distance between the pupil’s pickup point and the DVSA test centre, the final 2 to 3 hours of the intensive course package will be allocated to cover the journey to the test centre, the duration of the practical test itself, and the return journey.
  • 25.3. Lesson Recording: For quality, safety, and training purposes, driving lessons may occasionally be digitally recorded.

Clause 26: Pupil Verification Responsibilities

• • 26.1. Schedule Accuracy: It is the pupil’s sole responsibility to thoroughly check and confirm all course dates, times, and logistical details prior to paying their deposit.
  • 26.2. Liability for Booking Errors: The School accepts no liability for errors in course timing or location schedules once the deposit is paid. Any subsequent corrections or issues arising from unverified details remain the sole responsibility of the pupil.
  • 26.3. DVSA Changes: Pupils must independently monitor their practical test booking details daily via the official DVSA system to track any sudden changes, rescheduling, or cancellations made by the DVSA.

Clause 27: Independent Arrangements and Communication Failures

• 27.1. Out-of-Scope Arrangements: If a pupil requests and completes training that falls outside the boundaries of these standard terms, and the instructor agrees, both parties do so entirely at their own risk. The School will not intervene or assist in recovering funds if a dispute arises from out-of-scope agreements.
• 27.2. Lapse in Instructor Contact: For courses booked well in advance, if the assigned instructor has not initiated contact at least 4 weeks prior to the course start date, the pupil must immediately notify the School head office to resolve the communication issue.
• 27.3. Late Contact Constraints: A delay in initial instructor contact does not constitute a valid reason to cancel a course or claim a deposit refund. If a refund is exceptionally approved by the School in this scenario, the standard £95 cancellation fee applies.

Clause 28: Car Sharing (Buddy System)

• • 28.1. Discount Eligibility: If two pupils book an intensive driving course together on a car-sharing basis (the Buddy System), the School offers a 30% discount on the total course fee.
  • 28.2. Course Fee Split: The discounted total is split equally between both parties. For example, a standard 30-hour course priced at £1,322 (£1,297 course fee + £25 arrangement fee) will be reduced to £1,850.80 total, making it £925.40 per pupil.
  • 28.3. Training Hour Allocation: The total course hours are divided equally between both pupils. On a 30-hour course, each pupil receives 15 hours of active behind-the-wheel driving instruction and 15 hours of observational learning from the rear seat.
  • 28.4. Observational Learning Policy: Both pupils must remain in the vehicle for the full duration of the training. Active participation through listening, observing the other pupil’s instruction, and engaging in instructor-led discussions is a mandatory component of the curriculum.

Clause 29: Final Supplemental Payment and Cooling-Off Terms

• • 29.1. Payment Methods: The remaining balance of the course fee must be paid either via bank transfer at least 7 days prior to commencement, or in cash on the first day of the course. Credit card payments are not accepted for balance fees.
  • 29.2. Terms Acknowledgement: By paying the non-refundable course deposit, the pupil explicitly acknowledges and agrees to these terms and conditions in full before booking.
  • 29.3. Statutory 14-Day Cooling-Off Period: If a pupil wishes to cancel their contract, they must submit a written request within 14 days of their initial payment (whether deposit or full payment, whichever occurs first).
  • 29.4. Cooling-Off Cancellation Fee: All cancellations processed within the valid 14-day cooling-off window are subject to a standard £45 administration charge.
  • 29.5. Out-of-Hours Premium Rates: Lessons requested outside normal working hours (9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday) or on weekends incur an additional charge of £12 per hour, with a mandatory minimum booking of 2 hours per session.

Clause 30: Test Vehicle Withholding and Safety Policy

• • 30.1. Safety Restrictions: In the interest of public, customer, and DVSA staff safety, the instructor reserves the absolute right to withhold the use of the tuition vehicle for the practical driving test if the pupil’s driving is deemed actually or potentially dangerous.
  • 30.2. Alternative Vehicle Option: If the instructor withholds the tuition vehicle on safety grounds, the pupil may still sit their practical driving test using their own personal vehicle, provided it meets all legal DVSA requirements.

Clause 31: DVSA Practical Test Cancellation Policy

• • 31.1. Notice Window: In accordance with Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) regulations, a pupil must cancel or reschedule their practical car driving test at least 10 full working days before the scheduled test date to receive a full refund or avoid losing their fee.
  • 31.2. Forfeiture of Fees: If less than 10 full working days’ notice is given, the DVSA test fee will be strictly forfeited.
  • 31.3. Working Days Definition: For the purpose of test cancellations, the DVSA counts working days as Monday to Saturday. Sundays and public holidays do not count towards the 10-day notice window.
  • 31.4. Official Guidelines: Pupils are required to read, understand, and monitor the official government policies regarding test management directly via the GOV.UK Driving Test Cancellation Service and review information on the GOV.UK Driving Test Appointment Changes Page.

Clause 32: Adverse Weather and Liability Limits

• • 32.1. Instructor Cancellation Rights: The instructor reserves the right to postpone or cancel any driving lesson if they determine that weather, traffic, or road conditions are unsuitable or dangerous for training.
  • 32.2. Rescheduling Cost Guarantee: Any lessons cancelled by the instructor due to adverse weather or hazardous road conditions will be rescheduled for a mutually convenient date and time at no additional cost to the pupil.
  • 32.3. Limitation of Financial Liability: The instructor and the School cannot be held responsible or liable for any personal costs, lost wages, travel expenses, or consequential financial losses incurred by the pupil due to an instructor postponing or cancelling a lesson for any reason.

Clause 33: Complaints and Dispute Resolution

• • 33.1. First-Instance Reporting: In the event that a pupil has a complaint regarding any aspect of their driving tuition, the matter must be raised directly with the assigned driving instructor in the first instance.
  • 33.2. Escalation Process: If the complaint cannot be resolved satisfactorily with the instructor, the pupil may escalate the issue by submitting a formal complaint in writing to the School head office via email at info@allpassdriving.co.uk.
  • 33.3. Telephone Support: For further help, advice, or assistance with an active dispute, pupils can contact the School administration team directly by phone at 07944 101200.

Clause 34: Statutory Rights

• 34.1. Exclusion Limits: Nothing within these standard terms and conditions will operate to affect, limit, or diminish the pupil’s statutory rights under consumer protection legislation.
• 34.2. Service Standards: In strict accordance with legal regulations, all instructors are under a statutory obligation to provide tuition, goods, and training services that are fit for purpose, of satisfactory quality, and accurately described.
• 34.3. Independent Advice: For comprehensive information or clarification regarding consumer laws and legal protections, pupils are advised to contact their local Trading Standards Department or the official Citizens Advice Bureau.