Subject to Terms and Conditions:
We advise all clients to speak with us via email, WhatsApp, or telephone communication 'before' making an online payment, in accordance with our driving instructor code of conduct.
By booking a lesson, you hereby agree to the terms outlined below, including those related to lesson payments.
Lesson Payments:
Payments must be made no less than 24 hours BEFORE the lesson. Payments can be made via bank transfer using the bank details below, debit card in car (by prior agreement), or via the Total Drive App (payment via the app incurs a small fee, so bank transfer might be a more economical option).
If lessons are not paid for at least 24 hours before the scheduled lesson, the lesson will be offered to other pupils on my waiting list, and you MAY forfeit your lesson.
If paying by bank transfer, please add your NAME as a reference.
Cash or bank card payments (by prior agreement only) must be made at the START of the lesson.
Lessons will not commence without payment. Cheques are NOT accepted.
BANK DETAILS
Account Name: J Adams (May appear as Apple School of Motoring)
Account number: 28795421
Sort Code: 04-00-03
Amendments and Cancellations:
I reserve the right to cancel or amend your driving lessons if I cannot keep the appointed lesson time due to mechanical breakdown, sickness, pre-booked holidays, or immovable traffic.
At least 24 hours' notice must be provided to the instructor by the pupil to cancel a pre-booked driving lesson. If less than 24 hours' notice is given, you will lose the lesson fee, and payment for the missed lesson will be required.
If no contact is made by the pupil within 20 minutes of the lesson start time after I have already messaged on my arrival, this will be considered a no-show, and you will be charged the lesson fee.
Tests:
Please advise your instructor of the date and time of your test as early as possible and refer to your instructor's diary to ensure a vehicle is available for your test. Every effort will be made to accommodate tests, and instructors may need to move or cancel lessons, so providing as much notice as possible would be appreciated.
Payment for your practical test is paid directly to the DVSA; however, this does not include the use of the tuition vehicle. Therefore, payment for the use of the vehicle during the test must be made no less than 24 hours before the test (bank payment preferred).
The use of the vehicle for the test is £85 for a 2-hour duration, which includes a lesson before the test (60 mins), the test itself (up to 60 mins), and the time taken to drop the learner off afterward.
I encourage you to review our privacy policy for more detailed information on how we handle your data.
J. Adams
1. Personal conduct
Driver trainers will maintain a high level of professionalism, comply with the law, ensure client safety, and treat all clients with respect.
The instructor agrees to:
- Always behave in a professional manner towards clients, adhering to the standards outlined in the national driving instructor code of conduct.
- Fully comply with all legislative requirements, including:
- safeguarding personal freedoms and preventing discrimination based on age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
- refraining from using mobile devices, like phones, when driving or supervising clients’ driving, doing so only when parked in safe and legal locations.
- demonstrating exemplary driving skills and instructional capabilities, prioritizing safety standards and consideration for all road users, especially pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and horse riders.
- adhering to consumer, workplace, and data protection regulations, especially concerning the handling and dissemination of video or audio recordings made in or around their tuition vehicle.
- avoiding inappropriate physical contact with clients.
- steering clear of the use of inappropriate language towards clients.
- refraining from initiating discussions about personal relationships and carefully avoiding involvement in clients’ personal affairs, except where safeguarding concerns arise.
- avoiding situations that could be perceived as inappropriate.
- respecting client confidentiality and understanding how to address concerns clients may reveal about their private lives.
- treating clients with respect and consideration while supporting them in achieving the learning outcomes outlined in the national standard for driving cars and light vans (category B) as effectively as possible.
- ensuring their knowledge and skills regarding the provision of driver training align with current practices and legislative requirements.
- using social network sites responsibly and professionally, ensuring clients' personal information remains secure and compliant with the privacy policy, as well as privacy and data protection legislation related to digital communications, spam laws, copyright, and other online issues.
- engaging respectfully with other social media users, including clients and colleagues, while being careful not to defame the reputation of colleagues, DVSA, driving examiners, or the ADI register.
- not distributing, circulating, or publishing footage taken of driving tests from in-car cameras without prior permission from DVSA and the client.
2. Business dealings
Driver trainers will accurately account for lesson payments received, keep track of client progress, advise clients on when to apply for driving tests, and guide them fairly through the learning process.
The instructor agrees to:
- Safeguard and account for any lesson payments made in advance by clients for driving lessons, test fees, or any other purpose, while making these details available to clients upon request.
- On or before the first lesson, inform clients about this code of practice and terms of business, including:
- the legal identity of the driving school or instructor, with a full postal address and contact number.
- the current pricing and duration of lessons.
- the current fee structure and conditions for using a driving school car during the practical driving test.
- the cancellation terms applicable to lessons by either party.
- the conditions under which a refund of lesson fees may occur.
- the procedure for filing a complaint.
- Verify a client’s eligibility to drive the vehicle and their ability to read a license plate at the required distance during the first lesson and regularly throughout their training.
- Keep a record of each client’s progress, which will include the number of lessons provided, ensuring clients are informed of their status and future training needs to meet their driving goals.
- Discuss and advise clients on the appropriate timing for applying for their driving tests while considering DVSA’s cancellation rules, local waiting times, and the instructor’s assessment of the client's potential to achieve the driving test pass standard.
- Not cancel or reschedule a driving test without the client’s knowledge and agreement, ensuring sufficient notice is provided to avoid loss of the DVSA test fee if the instructor decides to withhold the school car for the driving test.
- Verify that when presenting a client for the practical driving test:
- the client possesses all necessary documentation to take the test,
- the vehicle adheres to all legal requirements, displays the instructor’s certificate or license correctly, and is equipped with an additional interior rear-view mirror and properly positioned L or optional D plates in Wales.
- Accompany the client during their practical driving test and listen to the debrief when requested by the client.
3. Advertising
Driver trainers will ensure that their advertising and promotion are clear and fair.
The instructor agrees that:
- All marketing for driving tuition will be transparent, fair, and not misleading.
- Any claims made in advertising can be verified and must comply with current CAP Advertising Codes.
- Advertising that cites pass rates should be unambiguous, with the basis for calculations clearly outlined.
4. Conciliation
Driver trainers will address any complaints promptly, aiming for quick resolution of grievances.
The instructor agrees that:
- Complaints by clients should initially be directed to the driving instructor, driving school, or contractor following the designated complaints procedure.
- If the procedure doesn't yield a satisfactory outcome, clients may seek further guidance:
- If a client believes their instructor is not providing satisfactory business service, they can contact their local Citizens Advice Bureau for assistance.
- If clients remain dissatisfied with their instructor’s professional service, they can reach out to the ADI Registrar by emailing instructorconduct@dvsa.gov.uk.