1. General Terms

1a. Amendments to Terms and Conditions

We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time by publishing the revised version on this website. Any amendments will take effect immediately upon publication. We encourage users to review this page regularly to stay informed of the latest terms governing our driving school services.

 

2. Before You Start Training

2a. Licence and Eyesight Requirements

All trainees must be in possession of a signed provisional driving licence on commencement of training and must satisfy the eyesight requirement.

 

3. Personal Conduct

3a. Instructor Conduct

The instructor will at all times behave in a professional manner towards clients.

3b. Respect and Consideration

Clients will be treated with respect and consideration.

3c. Physical Contact

The instructor will try to avoid physical contact with the client, except in an emergency or in the normal course of teaching.

3d. Equal Opportunities Policy

The instructor will abide by an equal opportunity policy and will not discriminate against race, colour, creed, gender or sexual orientation.

 

4. Instructor Allocation Response Policy

4a. Response Time Requirements

Once you have been allocated an instructor, you must respond within the timeframe provided by the instructor. If you fail to respond within this timeframe, we reserve the right to remove you from our list without any further notification.

Additionally, if we contact you and provide a specific timeframe for you to respond and you do not reply within that period, you will automatically be removed from the list without further notice.

4b. Removal from Waiting List

Failure to respond within the given timeframe will result in automatic removal from our waiting list without further notice.

4c. Rejoining the Waiting List

If you wish to be added back to the list after being removed due to non-response, you will be required to rejoin from the bottom of the waiting list.

 

5. Cancellation of Booked Lessons

To ensure fairness and consistency for all learners, our driving school has the following cancellation and payment policy in place:

5a. 48 Hours Notice Required

Learners must provide at least 48 hours’ notice if they need to cancel or reschedule a driving lesson. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged the full lesson fee as compensation for the missed appointment. Deposits for lessons cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable.

5b. New Learners – Deposits and Booking Requirements

To secure a booking, all new learners are required to pay a deposit equal to half the price of one lesson. For any booking exceeding two hours, a deposit equivalent to the first two hours must be paid at the time of booking. For longer sessions (e.g. a three or four-hour booking), payment for all hours beyond the initial one-hour allowance is mandatory and non-refundable.

A time slot will only be confirmed once the deposit has been received. If payment is not made within 24 hours of the booking request, the slot will be automatically released without further notice and allocated to another learner on the waiting list. Please note that no reminders or notifications will be sent if payment is not received. Deposits are non-refundable.

5c. Payments – Regular Learners

All new learners must pay a deposit equal to half the cost of a single lesson. For any booking longer than two hours, a deposit covering the first two hours is required at the time of booking. For extended sessions (such as three hours or more), payment for all hours beyond the initial one-hour allowance must be made in advance and is non-refundable. All deposits are non-refundable but will be deducted from the total cost of lessons.

The remaining payments must be made immediately after each session when arranging the next lesson. If a deposit is not received on the day we send you a payment notification (it is your responsibility to make the payment as soon as you receive our message), your lesson will be automatically cancelled — unless you inform us otherwise with a valid reason within 24 hours of our message being originally sent — and the slot will be given to another learner on our waiting list. If you contact us again after your slot has been reallocated, you will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list.

5d. Intensive Driving Courses

For intensive driving courses, full pre-payment is required in advance, and this payment is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances. Cancellations for intensive driving courses are required 72 hours in advance.

5e. Prepayment for Late Cancellations

Learners who cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice will be placed on a prepayment plan. Under this policy, full payment for each future lesson must be made 72 hours in advance by bank transfer to secure the booking. Payments are non-refundable.

5f. Non-Payment Policy

If payment is not received by the time of the next lesson, we reserve the right to refuse driving instruction, and all upcoming driving lessons will be automatically cancelled without further notice.

5g. Missed Driving Lessons

If a learner fails to attend their scheduled driving lesson, we will wait 15 minutes at the agreed pickup location. After this time, the instructor will leave, and the session will be treated as a missed lesson, charged in full.

 

6. 10 Hour Block Booking

By purchasing a 10-hour lesson block, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

6a. Full Payment Required

All 10-hour block bookings must be paid in full at the first lesson.

6b. Non-Refundable

All payments made for 10-hour block bookings are strictly non-refundable.

6c. Validity Period

The full 10 hours must be used within 2 months from the date of the first lesson. Any unused hours after this period will be forfeited.

6d. Cancellation Policy

A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a lesson. Lessons cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged in full and deducted from the remaining block hours.

6e. Maximum Cancellations

Students may cancel or reschedule lessons a maximum of 3 times within the 2-month block period. Exceeding this limit may result in the remaining block hours being forfeited.

6f. Price Changes

Lesson prices and 10-hour block package prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

6g. Acceptance of Terms

Booking and paying for a 10-hour block confirms acceptance of these terms and conditions. We aim to be fair and flexible wherever possible while ensuring lesson availability for all students.

 

7. Missed Lessons Due to Illness Without Prior Notice

7a. Illness Notification Requirements

At Oak Driving School, we understand that illness can occur unexpectedly. To avoid charges, we kindly request that students inform us of illness or cancellations in advance of their scheduled lesson. 

7b. Charges for Non-Notification

If a student is unwell and fails to notify us prior to the scheduled driving lesson, and our instructor arrives at the agreed location only to be informed of the illness at that time, the full lesson fee will be charged.

7c. Suspension of Lessons

Failure to pay this fee may result in the suspension or termination of future driving lessons.

7d. Outstanding Balances

We reserve the right to refuse further driving tuition until outstanding balances are cleared. This policy ensures our driving instructors are respected for their time and allows us to maintain a consistent and professional service for all learners.

 

8. Repeated Illness-Related Cancellations

8a. Three or More Illness Cancellations

We understand that genuine illness can occasionally affect lesson attendance. However, where a learner cancels lessons due to illness on three or more occasions, particularly at short notice or on the day of the lesson, we reserve the right to take further action as outlined below.

8b. Reallocation of Lesson Slots

Where repeated illness-related cancellations occur, we reserve the right to reallocate the learner’s regular lesson slot to another learner and retain any booking deposit held on account.

8c. Medical Evidence Requirements

Should the learner wish to continue lessons with Oak Driving School following repeated illness-related cancellations, we may request reasonable supporting medical evidence, such as a doctor’s note or medical certificate, before offering further lesson availability. This policy helps us manage instructor availability fairly and maintain lesson continuity for all learners.

 

9. Repeated Cancellations

9a. Multiple Short-Notice Cancellations

To ensure fair use of our instructors’ time and to maintain reliable scheduling for all learners, we operate a strict repeated cancellations policy. If a learner cancels or fails to attend lessons on multiple occasions, particularly with less than the required notice period, we reserve the right to take the following action. 

9b. Advance Payment Requirements

We reserve the right to require full payment 72 hours in advance of any future lesson for learners who have repeatedly cancelled or failed to attend.

9c. Non-Refundable Prepaid Lessons

Prepaid lessons are non-refundable if the learner does not attend or cancels late. This policy helps protect lesson availability and ensures consistent progress for all learners.

 

10. Regular Lesson Bookings

10a. Non-Response Following Regular Lessons

Where a learner has been attending lessons on a regular basis and subsequently stops booking lessons, we will make reasonable attempts to contact them. If no response is received within 2 working days, we reserve the right to offer and allocate their usual lesson slot to another learner. 

10b. Breaks of Two Weeks or More

Where a learner chooses to take a break from lessons for a period of 2 weeks or more, we cannot guarantee that their previous lesson slot will remain available upon their return. Any future lesson bookings will be subject to instructor availability at the time of rebooking.

10c. Reallocation of Regular Slots

As our instructors’ schedules are managed according to demand and availability, lesson times may vary. We will always endeavour to accommodate preferred times wherever possible.

 

11. Bi-Weekly Lesson Bookings

11a. Availability of Fortnightly Slots

Learners who choose to book lessons on a bi-weekly basis should be aware that we cannot guarantee the same lesson slot will be available every two weeks. As our instructors’ schedules are managed according to demand and availability, lesson times may vary. We will always endeavour to accommodate preferred times wherever possible.

 

12. Shift Workers & Rota-Based Schedules

12a. Availability and Scheduling

We welcome learners who work shifts or follow a rota; however, due to fluctuating availability and high demand, we cannot always guarantee a consistent lesson slot each week. We will always do our best to accommodate your preferred times, but all bookings remain subject to instructor availability.

 

13. Driving Tests Eligibility

13a. Test Readiness Requirements

At Oak Driving School, we prioritise safety and preparedness for all learners. Before using our vehicle for the driving test, you must demonstrate that you have reached the required test standard. 

13b. Provision of School Vehicle

If you are test-ready, we will provide our vehicle for your driving test. However, if your driving skills do not yet meet the necessary level, additional lessons will be required to help you improve.

13c. Additional Lessons

If we determine that you will not be ready by your scheduled test date, we will notify you well in advance. In such cases, we will not be able to provide our vehicle for the test. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of all road users, including yourself, the examiner, and our instructors.

13d. Vehicle Usage Charges

There will be an additional charge for the use of our vehicle on the test date. For example, if the standard price for a two-hour session is £86, the total cost with the vehicle charge — which includes 1 hour lesson before the test and 1 hour car hire for the test — would be £100.

 

14. Test Bookings on Instructor’s Day Off

14a. Additional Charges

If a learner schedules a driving test on a day that falls outside the instructor’s regular working hours, the instructor reserves the right to apply an additional charge for providing services on their day off. 

14b. Availability Confirmation

Learners are advised to confirm availability and any applicable fees directly with their instructor prior to booking.

 

15. Assessment Lesson

15a. Assessment Requirements

Your eligibility for the driving test depends on the results of your assessment lesson. 

15b. Test Standard Evaluation

After the assessment, if we determine that you meet the required test standard and are fully prepared, we will proceed with your test and provide our vehicle for use.

15c. Provision of School Vehicle

If your driving skills meet the test standard following your assessment, our vehicle will be made available for the driving test.

15d. Additional Lessons

If your driving skills do not yet meet the test standard, additional lessons will be necessary to reach the required level.

15e. Withholding Vehicle for Safety Reasons

If we believe that you will not be adequately prepared by your scheduled test date, we reserve the right to withhold our vehicle and decline participation in the test. This policy prioritises the safety of all road users, including yourself, the examiner, and our instructors. If you agree to these conditions, please contact us to schedule your assessment lesson.

 

16. Insurance

16a. Insurance Cover

Fees include trainees’ cover for insurance liability claims whilst driving the school’s vehicle, providing the trainee is duly licensed to drive and is accompanied by or under the instruction of the instructor.

 

17. Appointments

17a. Booking Availability

Whilst every care will be taken to ensure that you receive the training at the requested time and with the instructor as booked, all bookings are made on the understanding that the school is not responsible for the postponement of training due to adverse weather conditions, mechanical breakdown of equipment, absence or sickness of staff, or any other cause beyond our control. 

17b. Postponements Beyond Our Control

The school cannot be held responsible for any losses or inconvenience resulting from postponements due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to adverse weather, vehicle breakdown, or instructor illness.

17c. Driving Test Appointment Changes

Neither can the school be responsible for driving test appointments postponed by the Driving Standards Agency.

 

18. Personal Property

18a. Responsibility for Personal Belongings

Naturally, every endeavour is made to safeguard the personal property of any trainee. However, we point out that the school accepts no liability whatsoever for jewellery, cash, clothing, mobile phones, or any other property left in the training vehicle or on their premises, unless the loss is caused by our own negligence. 

18b. Limitation of Liability

The school’s liability for lost or damaged personal property is limited to cases where the loss or damage is directly caused by the negligence of the school or its instructors. We strongly advise trainees not to leave valuables in the training vehicle.

 

19. Procedures for Complaints

19a. Instructor Responsibilities

The instructor should 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. 

19b. Driving Test Preparation

When presenting a client for the practical driving test, the instructor should check that the client has all the necessary documentation to enable them to take the test and that the vehicle is roadworthy. 

19c. Driving Test Arrangements

Instructors will advise clients when to apply for the theory and practical driving tests, taking into account local waiting times and the forecast of the client’s potential for achieving the driving test pass standard. The instructor will not cancel or rearrange the driving test without the client’s agreement.

19d. Withholding Vehicle for Test

In the event of the instructor’s decision to withhold the use of the school car for the driving test, sufficient notice should be given to the client to avoid the loss of the DSA fee.

19e. Teaching Standards

The instructor should at all times, to the best of their ability, endeavour to teach the client the correct driving skills according to the DSA’s recommended syllabus.