Terms & Conditions

1. The instructor will deliver driving lessons at the agreed price to the pupil for the duration agreed between the pupil and the instructor. If the pupil is located in an area that they would be unable to drive in, until sufficiently skilled, the instructor will drive to a suitable area during the agreed time of the lesson. As soon as the pupil is able to drive safely within the area the instructor will allow them to do so.

2. All payments for the lessons must be paid at the beginning of the lesson or in advance. The instructor has the right to cancel the lesson and bill the pupil if payment is not made at the beginning of or prior to the lesson. Any advance payments can only be returned if we cannot deliver the paid for lessons, or you have a genuine reason for cancelling a booking (evidence will need to be provided).

3. Lessons will consist of a briefing, where the pupil will be told what skills/knowledge they will be learning and then a practical driving section. There will also be a plenary at the end to discuss progress made and future skills that will be looked at next time. This will be conducted during the booked time.

4. The instructor can cancel or rearrange the lesson(s) at any time. However, usually a minimum of 24 hour’s notice will be given unless this is unavoidable due to unforeseen circumstances, such as breakdowns, punctures, mechanical faults, accidents, illness or traffic problems or acts of God(extreme weather).

5. The pupil may cancel/rearrange lessons only with the instructor and with at least 24 hours' notice. Failure to give notice will result in charges for the lesson that was cancelled. Any cancellations to lessons made when a practical driving test is booked may result in the test having to be moved. Regular cancellations may result in permanent removal of services. Any payments for cancelled lessons not received before a practical car test may result in services or car use for test being removed.

6. The instructor has the right to refuse the use of the car for any test if the instructor feels the pupil is not sufficiently competent to pass the test and may be a danger to themselves or other road users. The instructor must be consulted before booking a practical driving test, otherwise we cannot guarantee the use of the driving school car. We can book tests on the client’s behalf if the payment is made in advance.

7. The starter discount scheme for ‘new drivers’ for a reduced price is only available to persons who have never driven before and must be taken as a minimum of 2 hours lessons. If a person books this or uses a Gift Card and has clearly driven before, the usual lesson rate applies and will be charged. If the pupil offers a Gift Card, the difference between the cost of the Gift Card and the usual rate will be charged.

8. The car may be hired for a practical driving test and will be 'fit for purpose'. If however during the test the car develops any fault, Coady's Driving School will not be liable for the termination of the test or any future test fees. If the car is deemed ‘not fit for purpose’ by the examiner at the start of the practical driving test, we will refund the test fees and use of car for test fee. If you book your test without consultation with us and cannot cancel it/rearrange it and we cannot supply the car, we cannot be held liable for costs and may not be able to provide you with a car for the test. To use the car for a practical driving test you must also book an hour lesson to be taken one hour before test start time and for use of the car during test (one hour), even if the test finishes earlier. The Total charge will be equivalent to a ‘two hour’ lesson.

9. Gift Cards can only be used for their face value and by the person named on the Gift Card, and no cash refund will be given. All cards must be presented within 6 months of purchase. All persons using the Gift Card must hold a valid licence (or provisional licence) that can be used in the UK.

9a) E Gifts : persons ordering e gifts should ensure they have supplied the correct email address of the recipient when ordering. Coady's driving school is not liable for any errors caused by inaccurate information. The receipient cannot exchange the e gift for cash. Refunds to the purchaser are at the discretion of Coady's Driving School and must be made in writing. E Gifts must be used within 6 months of purchase.

10. Services and concessions can be refused at the instructor's discretion.

11. It is your responsibility to inform the instructor of any health issues, licence suspension or change of circumstances and we cannot be held responsible for any factors arising out of not informing Coady's Driving School of any of the above.

12. Any written comments given to Coady's Driving School, may be used for publicity purposes. Photos may also be used by verbal/written agreement.

13. Complaints – all complaints must be made in writing and within 7 days of any issue/concern. All complaints will be dealt with fairly and a written response will be given within 7 days of receipt. If you are not satisfied with the findings of the complaint you may contact the DSA to investigate the matter independently.

13 i) Coady's Driving school have your permission to share information about you to other registered driving instructors if you wish to switch your training to another approved driving instructor.

14. Coady’s Driving School agree to abide by the Driving Standards Agency’s Code of Practice.

15. By booking and using services provided by Coady's Driving School you are agreeing to be bound by these terms and conditions.

---

 

CODE OF PRACTICE for Approved Driving Instructors

About the code

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the driver training industry place great emphasis on professional standards and business ethics.

This industry code of practice has been agreed between the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) and DVSA.

It is a framework within which all instructors should operate. These professional bodies expect their members to adhere to this code of practice. The current NASP member groups are:

• Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council (ADI NJC)
• Driving Instructors Association (DIA)
• The Motor Schools Association of Great Britain (MSA GB)

If you’re an approved driving instructor (ADI) who agrees to follow the code, you can:

• update your ADI registration to show you follow the code
• use the ‘ADI code of practice - I’ve signed up’ logo on your website or literature

1. Personal conduct

Driver trainers will be professional, comply with the law, keep clients safe and treat them with respect.

The instructor agrees to:

• at all times behave in a professional manner towards clients in line with the standards in the ‘National standard for driver and rider training’
• at all times comply with legislative requirements including:
  • the protection of personal freedoms, the prevention of discrimination based on age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation
  • not using mobile devices like phones when driving or supervising client’s driving and only when parked in a safe and legal place
  • demonstrating a high standard of driving and instructional ability upholding safety standards including showing consideration for all other road users particularly pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders
  • consumer, workplace and data protection regulations, the handling, storing, use and dissemination of video or audio recordings made in or around their tuition vehicle
• avoid inappropriate physical contact with clients
• avoid the use of inappropriate language to clients
• not initiate inappropriate discussions about their own personal relationships and take care to avoid becoming involved in a client’s personal affairs or discussions about a client’s personal relationships, unless safeguarding concerns are raised
• avoid circumstances and situations which are or could be perceived to be of an inappropriate nature
• respect client confidentiality whilst understanding the actions to take if a client reveals concerns about their private lives
• treat clients with respect and consideration and support them to achieve the learning outcomes in the ‘National standard for driving cars and light vans (category B)’ as efficiently and effectively as possible
• ensure that their knowledge and skills on all matters relating to the provision of driver training comply with current practice and legislative requirements
• use social network sites responsibly and professionally:
  • ensuring that clients personal information is not compromised
  • ensuring when using social media for marketing purposes that what is written is compliant with privacy and data protection legislation pertaining to digital communications, the laws regarding spam, copyright and other online issues
  • treating other users of social media including clients, colleagues and their views with respect
  • be careful not to defame the reputation of colleagues, DVSA, driving examiners or the ADI register
  • not distribute, circulate or publish footage taken of driving tests from in-car cameras, without permission from DVSA and the client

2. Business dealings

Driver trainers will account for monies paid to them, record client’s progress, advise clients when to apply for their driving tests and guide them fairly through the learning process.

The instructor agrees to:

• safeguard and account for any monies paid in advance by the client in respect of driving lessons, test fees or for any other purpose and make the details available to the client on request
• on or before the first lesson make clients aware of both this code of practice and their terms of business which should include:
  • legal identity of the school/instructor with full postal address and telephone number at which the instructor or their representative can be contacted
  • the current price and duration of lessons
  • the current price and conditions for use of a driving school car for the practical driving test
  • the terms which apply to cancellation of lessons by either party
  • the terms under which a refund of lesson fees may be made
  • the procedure for making a complaint
• check a client’s entitlement to drive the vehicle and their ability to read a number plate at the statutory distance on the first lesson and regularly during their training
• make a record of a client’s progress, which will include the number of lessons provided, and ensure that the client is aware of their progress and future training requirement to achieve their driving goals
• discuss with and advise a client when to apply for their driving tests, taking account of DVSA’s cancellation rules, local waiting times and the instructor’s forecast of a client’s potential for achieving the driving test pass standard
• not cancel or rearrange a driving test without the client’s knowledge and agreement, in the event of the instructor deciding to withhold the use of the school car for the driving test, sufficient notice should be given to the client to avoid loss of the DVSA test fee
• ensure that when presenting a client for the practical driving test:
  • the client has all the necessary documentation to enable the client to take the test
  • the vehicle complies with all aspects of motoring law, displays the instructor’s certificate or licence correctly and is fitted with an extra interior rear-view mirror and correctly positioned L or optionally D plates in Wales
  • accompany the client on their practical driving test and listen to the debrief, when requested to do so by the client

3. Advertising

Driver trainers will take care to advertise and promote their businesses in a clear and fair manner.

The instructor agrees that:

• the advertising of driving tuition shall be clear, fair and not misleading
• any claims made in advertising shall be capable of verification and comply with current CAP Advertising Codes
• advertising that refers to pass rates should not be open to misinterpretation and the basis on which the calculation is prepared should be made clear

4. Conciliation

Driver trainers will deal promptly with any complaints received and aim for speedy resolution of any grievances.

The instructor agrees that:

• complaints by clients should be made in the first instance to the driving instructor, driving school or contractor following the training provider’s complaints procedure
• if, having completed the procedure, the client has been unable to reach an agreement or settle a dispute further guidance may be sought:
  • if a client believes that their instructor is not providing a satisfactory business service they can contact their local Citizens Advice Bureau for guidance
  • if clients are unhappy with their instructor’s professional service, the client can contact the ADI Registrar by emailing adireg@dvsa.gov.uk