Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions

We aim to make every course run smoothly, but it is important that you read and understand the terms and conditions below before booking. By booking a driving course with Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms.

Definitions:

“You” refers to the individual named on the booking form as the pupil.
“We/Us” refers to the self-employed instructor.
“Driving School/Driving Lesson Leeds” refers to the driving school responsible for booking the course, organising tests, and assigning instructors.
“Instructor” refers to a DVSA-approved driving instructor providing the lessons.

Course Duration and Additional Hours (1)

Each course consists of the total hours booked, including time for the practical test and return travel. Additional hours can be arranged privately with the instructor at their local hourly rate. National Intensive ltd is not responsible for additional lessons beyond the pre-booked hours. Larger courses (20+ hours) may extend over two or more weeks. Completion within a week is not guaranteed on any course of any size.

Transport to Theory Test Centre (2)

Transport to the theory test centre can be provided upon request and will be included in your lesson time.

Eyesight Requirements (3)

All pupils must pass a legally required eyesight test (20.5m or 67ft) conducted by the instructor. Failing this test will result in the course being paused until corrective measures are taken. Booked hours with the instructor will be forfeited.

Practical Test Readiness (4)

Due to changes in the DVSA’s terms and conditions, for any tests booked within two weeks of the course start date, the customer acknowledges and accepts responsibility for ensuring the learner is ready by the end of the course. The driving instructor reserves the right to withhold their vehicle for the test if the learner is not sufficiently prepared. In such cases, the customer will need to provide their own vehicle or forfeit the test fee. However, the test can be rebooked at the cost of £62. To minimise this risk, it is recommended that an initial assessment lesson be taken at least two weeks prior to the test date to assess the learner’s current level.

The instructor may offer to use any remaining scheduled hours for additional tuition, should you wish to proceed. If you decline, those hours will be forfeited and cannot be rescheduled. If the test is still eligible for cancellation and no further hours are booked, the same conditions will apply. The instructor is not obligated to provide a cash refund for any unused hours, though they may offer to complete them as further tuition. If you decline this option, the unused hours will be forfeited, and no cash refund will be issued.

If the test is successfully cancelled with the DVSA and a refund is provided for the test fee, a refund of the fee can be arranged. This does not affect any deposit paid, which remains non-refundable.

Course Pricing and Test Fees (5)

The course price includes applicable test fees, which we will arrange for you.

Start Dates and Deposit Refunds (6)

Non-Refundable Deposits: All deposits made online are non-refundable. Upon receiving your booking, we immediately begin the process of allocating a driving instructor, which includes arranging tuition and vehicle hire for your lessons and driving test. This is in accordance with Regulation 28 of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

Instructor Allocation and Estimated Completion Date: If we are unable to allocate a driving instructor before your estimated completion date, we will notify you. The estimated completion date provided during booking is based on the availability of tests at the time and may vary depending on your area and test centre. This date is intended as a guideline, and fluctuations in test availability may occur. If the test date is later than anticipated, please note that this reflects the earliest possible date in your area at the time of booking. Refunds will not be issued based on dissatisfaction with the test date provided.

Delays Due to Theory Test or Licence Issues: If you fail your theory test, or if there is an issue with your driving licence (such as incorrect information), this may delay the allocation of a driving instructor. Failure to update us with the correct details may also cause delays, and in such cases, we reserve the right to decline a refund of the deposit.

Partial Refunds: In cases where we are unable to allocate a driving instructor but have successfully booked your driving test, a partial refund may be considered. The administrative fee for booking a standard driving test (£62) is £150, which will be retained, and the remaining balance refunded. For extended driving tests, the fee retained will be £212, as the extended test fee is (£124).

Automatic Rebooking: If we are unsuccessful in booking your preferred week as indicated on the booking form, we will automatically search for availability in the following week to complete your booking.

Non-Refundable Deposit Upon Instructor Confirmation: Once an instructor who has been allocated to your course (claims the course in our portal or makes contact with you, whichever comes first), the deposit becomes non-refundable, as the course is now considered successfully “booked in.” Please bear in mind that the instructor may not contact you straight away once they claim the course from our portal, as it is dependant on your estimated completion date or test date and they may be busy in the car, until they find time for administration.The reason deposits are non-refundable at this stage is that driving instructors are self-employed, and cancellation of the course would result in a loss of income for the instructor. Although courses can be rescheduled, this is entirely at the discretion of the instructor.

COVID-19 Flexibility: Due to the lasting impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19), a degree of flexibility between the instructor and the pupil is expected. Courses may need to be rescheduled due to factors beyond the control of the instructor or Driving Lesson Leeds, such as government restrictions, test centre closures, or health concerns. In such cases, there will be no right to request a refund of the deposit if COVID-19 or its effects are the primary cause of disruption. The course can be rescheduled for a later date.

Course Cancellations

Instructor-Allocated Cancellations (Full payment courses only): If you have paid us in full and cancel after an instructor has been allocated, you may forfeit all or part of the instructor fee. For example, if more than 50% of your lessons have been completed, no refunds will be provided under any circumstances. However, if less than 50% of your lessons have been completed, a refund for the remaining instructor fee may be offered, or a new instructor can be arranged for the remaining hours at our discretion.

Non-Refundable Deposits for Services Rendered: Once the service of allocating an instructor has been provided, the deposit becomes non-refundable, as costs have been incurred in doing so. Refunds for unused driving lessons may be considered at the instructor’s discretion.

Refund Processing: Once a refund request is authorised, it will be processed promptly. You can expect to receive the refund within 5-10 working days. Any delays are solely due to the payment merchant’s processing time, and confirmation will be sent via email once the refund is initiated.

Course Completion and Forfeiture of Deposit (7)

Once a deposit has been received, the pupil has a maximum period of 3 months from the course start date specified on the booking form to complete the course. If we do not receive any communication from the pupil within this 3-month period—such as in cases where the pupil loses interest in completing the course—the remaining deposit and any test fees paid will be forfeited.

7.1 Delays and Price Adjustments Due to Pupil-Related Issues

If the course is delayed due to reasons outside the control of Driving Lesson Leeds, such as an expired provisional licence, expired theory test, change of location, or a change of driving instructor at the pupil’s request, this may result in a price increase when the lessons commence.

This is because you may have initially booked the course at a time or location when / where driving instructor fees were lower. If any delay is caused by the pupil, resulting in the need to allocate a new driving instructor or continue with the previous instructor at an increased rate, Driving Lesson Leeds will not cover the cost difference. The pupil will be responsible for paying the current rates of the newly assigned instructor.

Additionally, if a pupil requests a change to the original booking (e.g., location or instructor), we will make every effort to accommodate this request. However, such changes may cause inevitable delays in the allocation of the course. In such cases, no refund will be issued due to the delay. If the course was already allocated prior to the requested change, no refund is eligible. Nevertheless, we will strive to provide a new driving instructor in the requested area. Please note that prices may vary by location, but you will not be required to pay any additional fees if the new area is more expensive than the original booking.

Theory Test Expiry (8)

If your theory certificate expires before completing your course, we will book a retest at no additional charge if the course has run past your estimated completion date when you booked. Deposits remain non-refundable.

Cancellation of Lessons (9)

Once lessons are booked with the instructor, cancellations made less than one full week in advance will result in forfeited lessons. No refunds or reschedules will be provided for short notice cancellations.

Additional Hours and Missed Lessons (10)

If additional hours are booked directly with the instructor and then cancelled or missed, payment for those hours remains due to the instructor at their standard rate.

Breaks During Lessons (11)

Short refreshment breaks are part of the lesson time and should be expected on lessons longer than 2 hours. If you feel the break times are excessive or not enough, please consult with your driving instructor in the first instance.

Instructor and Vehicle Provision (12)

Your course includes vehicle hire for your practical test and return travel. Lateness or test waiting time is included in your total course hours.

Role of Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd (13)

Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd operates solely as a booking and administrative agent for independent driving instructors and schools registered with us. These instructors and schools deliver intensive and semi-intensive driving courses across the UK. They are subcontracted to provide the driving instruction, while Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd handles the administrative processes related to the courses.

Please note that Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd does not directly offer or conduct any driving courses. Our role is to facilitate the arrangement of these courses on behalf of the subcontracted driving instructors or driving schools. For successful bookings, Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd is compensated through a commission paid by the customer.

Successful Booking (14)

A booking is considered successful once an ADI/PDI instructor is assigned by our company and they have made contact with you.

Learning Capabilities and Additional Tuition (15)

Course durations are estimates based on average learning capabilities. No guarantees can be implied by any agent acting on behalf of Driving Lesson Leeds ltd. Extra tuition may be necessary at an additional cost before you are allowed by your driving instructor to sit your driving test. In the event that your driving instructor deems you not ready to sit the test, but you disagree, you do have the right to make alternative arrangements to attend the test. This could include using an appropriate family vehicle or hiring a dual-control vehicle from a local provider at your own expense. Providers such as Arnold Clark offer reliable and affordable vehicle hire services. Please consult the DVSA website for the exact requirements to take the test using your own vehicle if you would like to do this.

15.1 Refusal to allow you to sit the test in an ADI vehicle

Driving instructors do reserve the right to change their mind regarding allowing you to sit the practical test in their training vehicle until the final hour of your lessons, as stress can play a large role in determining the likely outcome of your test. An appropriately trained driving instructor will be well qualified to make a decision in the best interest of the DVSA examiner’s safety, the safety of the general public and their own vehicle.

Practical Test Booking (16)

A practical test will only be booked once the pupil has passed their theory test and provided the theory pass number.

Practical Test Availability (17)

Practical driving test availability is determined by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). We will make every effort to secure a local practical test for the pupil, but the instructor reserves the right to select any test centre they deem suitable for the pupil’s ability. If no test slots are available on the final day of the course, any remaining hours may be reserved for a future date when a suitable test slot is found. Please note that test centres may be closed on weekends and bank holidays, and while we aim to secure a test toward the end of your course or shortly after, we cannot guarantee availability for any specific date.
In the event that a cancellation checker books an earlier test date, and your instructor is unavailable, the slot will need to be re-added to the cancellation checker, or alternative arrangements will need to be made. This could include using an appropriate family vehicle or hiring a dual-control vehicle from a local provider at your own expense. Providers such as Arnold Clark offer reliable and affordable vehicle hire services.

17.1 Examiner Illness and COVID-19 after effects on the industry
Delays in booking theory or practical tests may occur due to examiner illness or COVID-19-related ongoing disruptions. If your test is cancelled by the DVSA, we will reschedule it for the next available slot that suits both you and your instructor. Please note that refunds will not be issued in such cases.

Contractual Relationship (18)

The contract for the Crash Course/Intensive Course is formed directly between the pupil and the driving instructor. Therefore, any disputes or claims must be addressed with the instructor first, rather than with Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd. Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd cannot be held liable for any compensation claims from the pupil, nor for any traffic violations committed by either the pupil or the instructor. Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd operates solely as a booking agent and receives commission for successful course arrangements.

Course Deposit (19)

The deposit, which serves as an initial part payment for the course, is payable to Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd upon booking. This deposit facilitates the advance scheduling of appropriate tests, the search and reservation of a local driving instructor, and the ongoing administrative tasks associated with your course. It is important to note that the deposit does not represent the full course balance and includes a portion of the commission for the services provided by Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd.

Remaining Balance Payment (20)

The remaining balance for the course is to be paid directly to the subcontracted driving instructor who will conduct your lessons. The instructor may request payment as soon as the lessons have been arranged prior to the start of the course to confirm your intention to proceed, which is a standard practice to prevent last-minute cancellations.

Failure to pay the remaining balance on the first lesson or when requested prior to the lesson, will result in immediate cancellation of the course, and the deposit paid will be forfeited. If you choose to pay the remaining balance to Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd, we will act solely as an intermediary, transferring the funds to your designated instructor for the driving course.

We will conduct the necessary checks to ensure that the instructor receives the payment only with your consent. You will receive an email notification at the appropriate time to confirm that payment can be made to your chosen driving instructor.

If we cannot allocate your course (21)

If we cannot allocate you a driving instructor 1 week before your estimated completion date, you would be entitled to a full refund. (If we have booked your driving test and you want to keep the test we have booked for you, then we may charge upto £150 as an admin fee if you wish to keep that test in place).

Instructor Vehicle Breakdown (22)

In the unlikely event of the instructor’s vehicle breaking down during the course, you will be offered a reschedule by the instructor at the nearest convenient date for both yourself and the instructor. Please note that any vehicle breakdowns, whilst unfortunate and rare, do not entitle you to any form of reimbursement or compensation if the driving instructor can make other arrangements for you.

22.1 Circumstances Beyond Control

Neither Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd nor your driving instructor shall be held liable for any losses incurred as a result of course or test cancellations due to the following circumstances: adverse weather conditions (such as snow or ice), examiner illness, examiner strikes, instructor illness, vehicle breakdowns, or unexpected product recalls affecting vehicles. In the event of any of these scenarios, your instructor will make every effort to arrange an alternative date to complete your course. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has a procedure in place for claiming reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses in such cases. You may be charged at the normal rate for further tuition for these unexpected issues.

22.2 Courses Placed On Hold

If you decide to place your course on hold, we hold the right to forfeit the course if we are unable to provide your course when you’re ready in the future. We will always do our best to accommodate you, but if driving instructors have retired or we no longer cover your area, then the course will be forfeited unless you can move areas. Also, if you placed your course on hold and it resumed months or years later, then you are liable for paying the current going rates that instructors charge, which is usually an increase 10-20% each year.

Travel and Accommodation (23)

Please do not arrange travel or accommodation until your course is confirmed with your instructor. You accept upon booking that Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd is not, under any circumstances, liable for any associated costs for travel associated with your driving course.

Time Off Work (24)

Driving Lesson Leeds ltd or your nominated instructor are not responsible for loss of income due to time taken off work for lessons or tests.

Time Off Work Continued (25)

You agree not to book any time off work until you have spoken directly with your appointed instructor and confirmed your lesson schedule. Driving Lesson Leeds ltd are not responsible for any loss of holiday time lost or pay, or any other work-related issues resulting from the scheduling of your lessons. You agree not to hold Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd liable for any loss of income or benefits arising from missed time at work.

Course Bookings (26)

All bookings are provisional until confirmed directly with your driving instructor. If your preferred start week is unavailable, we will automatically search for the next available start date. We will continue this process until your course is successfully allocated.

Illness During the Course (27)

If you become ill and are unable to continue your course, we will attempt to reschedule your remaining lessons to a time when you are fit to proceed. However, if you cancel any lessons with less than one week’s notice, those hours may be forfeited unless your instructor decides otherwise.

14-Day Cooling Off Period

Please note that the 14-day cooling-off period does not apply unless your booking is made through Bumper (finance). This is due to the nature of hiring the instructor’s vehicle for lessons, as outlined in Section 28 of the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013: “(h) the supply of accommodation, transport of goods, vehicle rental services, catering, or services related to leisure activities, if the contract provides for a specific date or period of performance.” Please refer to this section for more details on exemptions.

Bumper Refunds / Cancellation Policy

If you make a booking through our finance provider, Bumper, you are entitled to cancel within 14 days of your application. However, certain conditions apply, and the 14-day cooling-off period is waived under the following circumstances:

If any lessons or tests are booked to take place within the 14-day period from the time of booking, or if lessons/tests are completed within that period (e.g., if you book on January 1st and have lessons or tests scheduled on or before January 12th, the right to cancel under the cooling-off period is waived).

Course Information:

All courses are conducted on a one-to-one basis with a DVSA-registered, self-employed instructor.
We do not offer shared courses (e.g., two pupils in the car at the same time).
While we will make every effort to secure a test date, no guarantees can be made regarding availability, especially if your theory certificate is nearing expiration (valid for two years from the date of passing your theory test). If a test cannot be scheduled at the end of the course, we will arrange an alternative date and time in agreement with both the pupil and the instructor. Refunds are not applicable in this situation. If the DVSA cancels a test for any reason, we are not liable for the test fee or any lost lesson time. Additional lessons may need to be purchased for a retest, though you may be eligible for partial reimbursement from the DVSA under certain circumstances.
Although every effort will be made to ensure you are test-ready, if the instructor believes your driving is below the required standard, they reserve the right to prevent you from taking the test for the safety of all involved. No refund of deposit or lesson fees will be issued under these circumstances.
All instructors are DVSA-approved.
We will try to accommodate specific instructor requests based on gender or religion, but this cannot be guaranteed and may require flexibility or travel on your part. Requests based on ethnicity or other discriminatory grounds will not be accepted. If you request a change of location for your course, price adjustments may apply depending on the new area’s rates. If there is a difference in the deposit amount, we will invoice the additional cost. Please note, if the new area’s deposit is lower, we cannot refund the difference due to costs already incurred.
The instructor’s car is fully insured with comprehensive coverage. You may request insurance documentation from your instructor at any time. Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd is not responsible for any insurance-related disputes; these are solely between you and the instructor. In the event of an accident, the instructor is responsible for insurance costs unless the damage is intentional, in which case the instructor will assess the situation at their discretion.
Special offers and course prices are subject to change without notice and at the company’s discretion.
Gift vouchers issued by Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd are valid for six months from the date of issue. Vouchers are non-transferable and must be used by the named recipient(s).
If payment is made to an instructor for a course but the pupil does not complete it, the remaining hours are valid for one month, at the instructor’s discretion, if rescheduling is needed. After one month, the unused lessons and test fees will be forfeited without refund.
After passing your practical test, unused lesson hours may be refunded at the instructor’s discretion. Any refund will be based on the standard hourly rate for the hours already used.
If a driving instructor is allocated outside of your local area, we will cover the travel costs for the pre-booked lessons only. Should you require additional lessons beyond the original booking, you will be responsible for your own travel expenses.
Pass Protection is refundable only if you provide a valid pass certificate in your name. In the event of a test failure, we will book the next available test in your area. If you choose to cancel Pass Protection without providing a pass certificate, only £62 will be refundable.
We offer home pickup and drop-off services in most areas. However, if you reside in a congestion zone (e.g., parts of London), some instructors may not offer this service due to additional charges. In such cases, we may offer to compensate the instructor or provide a partial refund if you meet the instructor outside the congestion zone.
The cancellation checker fee (+£60 from 16/01/2024) is refundable if we cannot find a sooner test date than originally booked. However, the rest of the course remains non-refundable. If you opt for a refund on the cancellation checker, it will no longer be used to search for cancellations. If the soonest available test date is more than four weeks later than the estimated completion date, a refund may be offered. If you find your own cancellation or if the instructor does so, the cancellation checker fee is non-refundable.
If you book a 1-2-1 theory Zoom training session, it can be rescheduled once with the tutor. Beyond that, the session will be forfeited due to the tutor’s time commitment.

Your Obligations:

You must meet the DVSA’s driving test eyesight requirements, including reading a number plate from a distance of 20.5m (67ft).
You must satisfy the DVSA’s residency and eligibility requirements.
You are responsible for correctly filling out the booking form so that we can fulfil our administrative duties.
You must inform us before booking of any physical or mental health conditions that may affect your ability to perform under the potentially stressful conditions of an intensive driving course.
You must agree upon and confirm the full course hours with your instructor during the initial phone call. If the hours are unsatisfactory, please inform us immediately so we can discuss alternatives or arrange a different instructor. Once the course has begun, if scheduling conflicts arise, we cannot guarantee a course transfer to another instructor.
You should only book time off work or make travel/accommodation arrangements after your lesson schedule is fully confirmed with your instructor.
You must arrive on time for all lessons. If you are late, you will lose time, and neither the instructor nor the school is obliged to make up for the lost time. Instructors will wait a short time at the agreed meeting point, but if you do not make contact, the lesson will be considered forfeited.
You must attend all scheduled theory and practical tests. Failure to attend without informing us or allowing enough notice to reschedule, bearing in mind our office opening times, will result in the loss of the test fee, and you will need to pay for a new booking.
If you book your own test, we require at least four weeks’ notice to ensure an instructor’s availability. If there is no availability, we may ask you to reschedule the test or utilise our cancellation checker service (+£60 from 16/01/2024). 8.2 If you move your test to an earlier date without giving us four weeks’ notice, we may be unable to allocate an instructor. We advise you not to reschedule the test after booking with us unless the cancellation checker service is included in your course.
Upon passing your theory test, you must immediately provide us with your pass number so that we can book your practical test and begin searching for a cancellation.
You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at any time during the course. If there is any suspicion of substance use, the course will be terminated, and all fees will be forfeited. Also, it is prohibited to drive illegally without correct supervision from a driving instructor or a supervisor. You can practice driving with a family member or friend who meets the following requirements:
- Is over 21 years old
- Has a full driving licence for at least three years
- Has a license to drive the type of vehicle you’re learning in
Professional and respectful behaviour is required at all times. Abusive behaviour or a demeanour that is not befitting of a professional learning environment in the presence of your driving instructor will result in immediate course termination, with no refund.
All contracts are governed by the laws of England, Scotland, and Wales.
On the day of your driving test, you (the pupil) must take your photocard driving licence with you. If you only have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driving licence and a valid passport.

Important Information for Theory Test Participants

If you are taking a theory test during your driving course, please be aware of the additional terms and conditions provided by the DVSA website related to your theory test bookings.

Third-Party Recommendations

By ticking the box on the booking form to indicate that you are happy to be contacted by recommended partners, you consent to the sharing of your data with third-party companies, who may reach out to you in the future.

Driving Test – Rescheduling Policy

To reschedule your driving test without incurring a fee, you must notify us at least 10 clear working days before your scheduled test date.

Driving Test – Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your driving test, please ensure you notify us at least 10 clear working days before your test date to avoid losing your fee.

Theory Test – Rescheduling Policy

To reschedule your theory test without incurring a fee, you must notify us at least three clear working days before your scheduled test date. For example, if your test is booked for a Friday, you must inform us by the previous Monday.

Theory Test – Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your theory test, please ensure you notify us at least three clear working days before your test date to avoid losing your fee. For instance, to cancel a test scheduled for a Friday, you must inform us by the previous Monday.

Theory Test Booking Terms and Conditions

General Rules

Arrive at the test centre 15 minutes prior to your appointment for check-in.
All test centres are monitored both audio and visually to ensure quality and security.
Personal items are not permitted in the testing room and must be stored in a locker. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: mobile phones, earpieces/earphones, laptops, PDAs, pagers, handbags, purses, wallets, hats, bags, coats, books, revision notes, dictionaries, notepaper, pens, watches, food, and drink.
If any of these prohibited items are found in the testing room, your test will be terminated, and you will be asked to leave the premises, resulting in the loss of your test fee.

Issues, Refunds, and Complaints Policy

We take all complaints regarding our services seriously, as we strive to deliver excellent service at all times. If you wish to file a complaint, please utilise the link provided below, ensuring you include as much detail as possible. We aim to investigate complaints promptly, responding within 7 days. Simpler matters should be resolved within 48 to 72 hours.

If a refund request is approved, you can expect to see the funds reflected in your account within 5 to 10 business days, depending on your bank. Please note that refunds will not be issued for courses booked more than three months prior if we can allocate instructors according to our Terms and Conditions (see number 7).

Important Note: We will only communicate with the customer enrolled in the course, unless a nomination email is sent from the address listed on the booking form, designating a representative to address the complaint.

If you wish to escalate your complaint through a third party, we will do our best to accommodate this, but please be aware that our approach to resolving complaints may remain consistent.

Thank you for your understanding.

Company Information:

Driving Lesson Leeds Ltd

Company Number: 0800 710 1132