Terms and Conditions
Introduction
1. The instructor, as an independent business operator, is fully responsible for all aspects related to the provision of driving instruction. Therefore, you and your instructor are required to mutually agree on all details regarding lesson timing, duration, location, and content, as well as arrangements for any driving tests.
2. You must be of legal driving age and present a valid driving licence (provisional, full, or international). Both the photocard licence and a permission code to verify the licence online must be provided prior to your first lesson. For Pass Plus, Drive Confident, or refresher courses, a valid licence along with a DVSA licence check code must be presented, and identification may be requested if necessary. You are also required to inform your instructor of any changes to your eligibility or ability to drive, such as medical conditions or any alteration to the status of your driving licence.
3. Prior to commencing lessons, all pupils must meet the minimum DVSA eyesight standards, which include being able to read a standard UK number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet, approximately 5 car lengths). If corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) are required to meet this standard, they must be worn whenever driving. In the event that a pupil fails this eyesight assessment, the instructor is required to cancel the lesson.
4. Instructors will make every effort to teach pupils the appropriate driving skills in accordance with the syllabus recommended by the DVSA.
Lessons and payment
1. Payment for driving tuition must be made in advance of the lesson or test, either via bank transfer or in cash, as specified by the instructor.
2. The instructor will make every effort to maintain consistent lesson scheduling to ensure continuity of learning. However, this cannot always be guaranteed.
3. You are required to provide a minimum of 48 hours’ notice if you wish to cancel, reschedule, or modify a booked driving lesson. Failure to do so will result in the full cost of the lesson being charged. Cancellations can be made via phone or text, but must be acknowledged by the instructor. Frequent cancellations may result in the instructor ceasing to provide lessons.
4. While the instructor will strive to start and finish lessons on time, they reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or adjust lesson details under certain circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions. In the event of changes, the instructor will endeavour to reschedule the lesson at a mutually convenient time.
5. Kingham School of Motoring and its instructors reserve the right to adjust the hourly rate for lessons, with reasonable prior notice given to pupils.
6. Punctuality is essential for lesson appointments. If you fail to arrive on time at the pre-arranged pick-up location, the instructor will attempt to contact you. If contact cannot be made, and after 10 minutes, the lesson will be considered abandoned, with the full lesson fee remaining payable.
7. A reciprocal waiting time may be necessary in certain circumstances. The instructor will make every effort to arrive on time but reserves the right to rearrange lessons at short notice due to unforeseen issues, such as mechanical failure. If the instructor is running late, you will be contacted (subject to phone signal availability), and the instructor will aim to make up any lost time at the end of the lesson or during a future session. If the lesson needs to be cancelled by the instructor, no fee will be charged.
8. All lessons will commence and conclude at the pre-arranged location, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in advance. Any changes to the pick-up location must be confirmed beforehand; the instructor is not obliged to continue lessons if the agreed location is changed.
9. The instructor will determine appropriate areas for lessons to ensure the safety of both the pupil and the public. As part of this, the instructor may need to drive the pupil to and from suitable locations, particularly during the early stages of tuition. This travel time is considered part of the lesson and is included in the fee.
10. You must be legally and medically fit to drive during all lessons and tests. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit to drive for each lesson. If it is determined that you are legally or medically unfit to drive—whether due to illness, fatigue, intoxication, or emotional state—the instructor reserves the right to terminate the lesson at short notice, withhold the use of the training vehicle, or take over driving control. In such cases, the lesson fee will still be applicable. If appropriate and safe, the instructor may offer an alternative, less demanding activity for the remainder of the lesson, subject to your agreement.
11. Sickness, fatigue, alcohol, and drugs (whether prescribed or not) can impair driving ability and endanger both yourself and others. If you are taking any medication, please check that it will not affect your driving ability, reading the instructions or consulting a medical professional as necessary. Any prescribed medication that may impact your driving must be disclosed to both the instructor and the DVLA. You must not drive under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. Additionally, you should inform the instructor of any condition that may affect your ability to safely participate in a driving lesson. Ignoring fitness-to-drive regulations could result in legal action from the Police or the Crown Prosecution Service.
12. The instructor reserves the right to postpone lessons if weather or road conditions are deemed unsafe. Postponed lessons will be rescheduled at a mutually agreed time. The instructor cannot be held liable for any costs incurred by you as a result of lesson postponement for any reason.
Tests
1. Driving tests may only be scheduled with prior agreement between the instructor and the pupil.
2. You will only be permitted to use the instructor’s vehicle for the driving test if the instructor deems that you have reached test standard. The instructor reserves the right to withhold the use of the tuition vehicle and is not obligated to take you to the test if they are unavailable, if they believe you are not adequately prepared, or if your driving poses a risk to safety—behaviour that, if repeated during the test, could result in a failure.
3. In accordance with DVSA guidelines, pupils are not permitted to take a driving test merely for experience. Where possible, the instructor will provide sufficient notice if they deem the pupil unfit for the test, allowing you the opportunity to cancel or reschedule without forfeiting the test fee.
4. DVSA regulations require that you provide a minimum of three clear working days’ notice to cancel or reschedule your driving test; Sundays and public holidays do not count. Failure to provide the necessary notice will result in the loss of your test fee. If your instructor deems you unready for the test within this three-day notice period, you may also lose your DVSA test fee. The instructor cannot be held liable for cancellations or changes to tests made by you or the DVSA.
5. Should your driving standard be deemed unsatisfactory or you are found to be in an unfit legal or medical condition, the instructor is responsible for ensuring that the training vehicle is not used for the driving test. This precaution is in the interest of safety for the pupil, the examiner, and other road users.
6. The instructor will not take responsibility for any incorrect driving test bookings. You must notify the instructor promptly with the details of your test—date, time, and location—and provide the booking confirmation for verification. Without this information, the instructor cannot guarantee vehicle availability for the test or lessons immediately preceding it.
7. The instructor is not responsible for any test cancellations by the DVSA, for any reason. Such cancellations are beyond the instructor’s control, and therefore, the lesson and vehicle hire fee will still be charged for the scheduled period. Your instructor will provide guidance on how to claim compensation from the DVSA. The instructor, Kingham School of Motoring, or the DVSA cannot be held liable if you fail the eyesight test.
8. Test fees lost due to late arrival will not be refunded by Kingham School of Motoring, its instructors, or the DVSA.
9. When using the instructor’s vehicle for the driving test, the booking period will be based on the instructor’s standard scheduling. This typically requires a minimum two-hour booking, which includes the use of the tuition vehicle and the travel time to and from the test centre. The DVSA fee for the practical driving test is paid directly to them, but it does not cover the use of the instructor’s vehicle, which is payable to the instructor.
10. Driving test appointments take priority over other lessons. As such, your lesson may be rescheduled to accommodate another pupil’s driving test, or vice versa. You will be notified of any changes to your lesson schedule as promptly as possible.
11. While the instructor will ensure that the vehicle used for the driving test is roadworthy and complies with all legal requirements at the start of the test, they cannot be held responsible for any mechanical failure that occurs during the test or for any subsequent loss resulting from such an issue.
12. During the driving test, the pupil is in charge of the vehicle and is liable for any fines or charges incurred as a result of any motoring offence committed.
Learner safety, comfort and well being
1. The instructor’s vehicle is insured with appropriate motor insurance for driving tuition purposes, should you be involved in a collision while in control of the car as a learner driver. The vehicle will be fully roadworthy, well-maintained, clean, and tidy. All vehicles used by Kingham School of Motoring are equipped with dual controls as standard.
2. If you request tuition in your own vehicle, you must provide evidence from your motor insurer confirming that the car is covered for driving lessons when supervised by a professional instructor. The car must also be properly taxed and have a current MOT certificate where applicable. The instructor accepts no liability for accidents, injury, or damage to third parties resulting from the pupil’s negligence or recklessness during a lesson. The instructor is under no obligation to use a pupil’s personal vehicle for lessons or tests.
3. While instructors will make every effort to deliver high-quality instruction, they cannot be held liable for any errors made by the pupil while driving unaccompanied, either before or after passing the driving test.
4. Kingham School of Motoring is committed to providing a safe, comfortable learning environment for both instructors and pupils. Inappropriate behaviour, including harassment, verbal or physical misconduct, will not be tolerated. Instructors will maintain professional conduct at all times and will not use improper language, suggestive behaviour, or make physical contact. Similarly, the instructor expects pupils to adhere to these standards. Lesson time will be dedicated solely to driving instruction and will not be used for personal or business matters.
5. All instructors at Kingham School of Motoring are licensed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to provide driving instruction. They have also undergone a police DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to ensure they have no criminal convictions.
6. The instructor is committed to safeguarding your privacy. Any personal information provided will be securely stored and processed in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 (GDPR). The instructor will not sell, distribute, or lease your personal data to third parties, unless required by law.
7. With your consent, the instructor may take photographs of you after passing your driving test for use on Kingham School of Motoring’s social media pages and may request a customer review.
8. The instructor is bound by a Professional Code of Conduct. They will remain courteous, polite, punctual, and well-presented at all times. Professionalism and ethical behaviour will be maintained throughout all interactions.
9. Safety is a shared responsibility between the instructor and the pupil. For your comfort and safety, it is advised that you wear suitable footwear and clothing that does not restrict movement or distract you while driving. Inappropriate clothing or footwear should be avoided, as it could result in safety concerns or embarrassing situations.
10. It is crucial that you give your full attention to the driving task at all times. Should anything distract you during the lesson, it is important that you inform the instructor. Likewise, if you feel uncomfortable or uneasy about any driving task, please notify the instructor as soon as it is safe to do so.
11. The instructor’s primary goal is to promote road safety. In an emergency situation, if necessary to avoid an incident, the instructor may take control of the vehicle’s steering or dual controls. It is important that you follow their instructions and allow them to take control in such situations. Afterward, the instructor will explain why these actions were necessary when it is safe to do so.
12. The instructor will always aim to deliver instructions and take actions in a calm, measured manner, even in emergency situations, to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
Kingham School of Motoring reserves the right to modify or amend the terms of this agreement at any time without prior notice. In the event of any changes, pupils will be informed of the updates. Continued use of Kingham School of Motoring’s driving tuition services will be considered as your acceptance of the revised terms of this agreement.