Terms and Conditions

As with all kinds of businesses there must be some ground rules to go back to, should there ever be a disagreement, and the words below are mine. My first advice is, if you have a problem, please tell me. I want you to enjoy the learning experience so much you tell all your friends. The following terms and conditions represent the basis upon which driving lessons and courses are offered to you by John Atkinson-Brown.

When must I take my lessons? Lessons should start within 30 days after payment has been made and a block of lessons should be completed and all taken within 4 months of the first booking else I will consider that the pupil has decided not to continue under these circumstances refunds will not be considered. If you know you are not able to meet these requirements please let me know as soon as possible so I can take on new pupils.

Any refunds will be considered on the basis mentioned above.

Refunds and guarantee's I do not give refunds. However, if after the first five hours of driving you are not happy with my service, or you are unable to continue with the block of ten purchased due to a valid reason, any unused training time will be re-calculated at the normal lesson hourly rate, plus an administration fee of £25. The balance will be refunded to you. (note: cancelled lessons not previously chargedfor; will be taken into account)

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. I expect the same of yourself. Any claims made against John Atkinson-Brown as the result of an accident will be restricted to the terms of the insurance policy which is current at the time of the incident. Details of the policy will be made available on request. My car is a no Smoking area. 


2. Driving Licence and Eyesight - The pupil must hold a current, valid UK driving licence (provisional or full), which must be produced on or in advance of their first lesson. The pupil 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 glasses if normally worn. A pupil must at the instructors request provide the necessary code (Share your licence) to allow access to their driving record. 


3. Payments Please note: 
Payments must be made in advance of any lesson starting. I do ask that payment for discounted block bookings are paid in full before lessons start.

4. Lesson Postponement or Cancellation - Two full days notice (48 hours) of a cancellation is required to avoid a lesson fee; however, if I can easily obtain additional work for any individual lessons cancelled, I do not ask for payment.

I do reserve the right to postpone lessons if I consider the weather or road conditions are unsuitable or dangerous. I cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred as a result of having to postpone any lessons, for whatever reason.


5. The Driving Test 


a) Driving tests should be booked by you after you have checked my availability.

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. I would ask to be notified immediately a driving Test has been booked as my future lessons have to be booked around it; If sufficient notice is not given the availability of a vehicle for the test can not be guaranteed.


b) Use of my vehicle

In the interests of client and public safety, I reserve the right to withhold the use of my car for your test if, in my 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. I cannot be held responsible for any postponement or cancellation of tests by you or the DVSA for any reason. 
A one hour fee is required for your pretest drive if your test is cancelled when at test centre. Please check your emails before starting your pretest drive.

6. Punctuality - 
In their own interest pupils are advised to be punctual for lesson appointments. I 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 I am delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. 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. 


7. Learner Comfort and Safety 
In the interests of comfort and safety, pupils are advised to wear suitable footwear and clothing which does not restrict movement. Pupils 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. 


8. Complaints - In the event of a complaint I will make all efforts to resolve the problem directly. However, please do not let a problem linger notify me as soon as possible so that a satisfactory solution can be sort. 


9. Your statutory rights - These terms and conditions will not reduce your statutory rights relating to faulty or incorrectly described goods or services provided. If you have any doubts about your statutory rights please contact your local Trading Standards Department or Citizen's Advice Bureau.