Sevenoaks Driving Lessons – Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all driving lessons and services provided by Sevenoaks Driving Lessons (“the School”, “we”, “us”). By booking lessons with us, you (“the customer”, “you”) agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Driving Licence & Fitness to Drive
1.1 You must hold a valid UK provisional driving licence (or full licence, where applicable) and produce it for inspection when requested.
1.2 You must be medically fit to drive and notify us of any medical condition or prescribed medication that may affect your driving.
1.3 You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs during any lesson.
1.4 You are responsible for ensuring you are medically fit before each lesson. We accept no liability for illness, injury, or medical conditions arising during a lesson.
2. Lessons, Bookings, Payments & Lesson Timing
2.1 Lessons must be paid for on the day of the lesson, unless otherwise agreed in advance.
2.2 If you wish to cancel or reschedule a lesson, you must provide at least 48 hours’ notice.
2.3 If less than 48 hours’ notice is given, you are still obliged to pay the full lesson fee, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
2.4 No-Shows: If you fail to attend a booked lesson without providing notice, the full lesson fee remains payable.
2.5 We reserve the right to cancel or rearrange lessons in exceptional circumstances (for example, instructor illness, vehicle issues, or adverse weather).
2.6 Although you may reserve lessons in advance, we retain the right to make last-minute changes to bookings (for example, to accommodate a customer attending their driving test). No damages or compensation shall be payable in such circumstances.
2.7 Lesson prices will generally be honoured at the rate agreed at the time of booking or payment. However, if lessons are reserved significantly in advance, or if there are material increases in the costs of running the business, we reserve the right to adjust prices. Material changes may include (but are not limited to): (a) increases in fuel duty or fuel prices; (b) changes to VAT thresholds or taxation; (c) increases in insurance premiums; (d) regulatory or compliance costs; (e) substantial rises in vehicle maintenance or operational expenses. Where a price change is required, reasonable notice will be provided.
2.8 Lesson Timing in Unforeseen Circumstances: If the instructor arrives late due to circumstances outside their reasonable control, they will make reasonable efforts to extend the lesson where practical. If this is not possible (for example, to avoid affecting other customers), the lesson may be shorter. No partial refunds or credits will be provided.
3. Recommended Lesson Planning
3.1 The DVSA advises that most new learner drivers require an average of 45 hours of professional instruction to reach test standard.
3.2 To support consistent progress, we strongly recommend customers pre-book at least 30 lessons of 1.5 hours each in advance.
3.3 Failure to reserve lessons may result in limited availability due to high demand.
4. Use of Vehicle for Driving Tests
4.1 The instructor’s vehicle may only be used for your practical driving test if the instructor is satisfied that you are test-ready.
4.2 If, in the instructor’s professional opinion, you are not adequately prepared, we may withhold use of the vehicle. Where practical, we will give notice to help minimise the risk of losing the DVSA test fee.
4.3 In such circumstances, our maximum liability is limited to the DVSA test fee only.
4.4 You agree that the instructor will accompany you on the driving test and be present for the examiner’s debrief.
4.5 If your DVSA test is cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, you remain liable for the instructor’s test/lesson fee. You should seek reimbursement directly from the DVSA.
4.6 Being deemed “test-ready” is a professional opinion, not a guarantee of passing. Unexpected events, other road users, or test-day nerves may affect your performance.
4.7 You are responsible for attending your test on time and bringing the correct documents. We are not liable for DVSA fees lost due to missing documents or lateness.
4A. Driving Test Bookings
4A.1 If we have agreed a driving test date, you must not move, change, or rebook it without consulting the instructor first.
4A.2 Rearranging a test without consultation may mean the instructor is unavailable and may disrupt other customers’ schedules.
4A.3 We reserve the right to refuse the use of the vehicle or test support for any test appointment changed without prior agreement.
5. Refunds
5.1 Pre-payment for lessons is not required.
5.2 Where payment is made in advance, lessons will be credited to your account.
5.3 If we are unable to provide lessons due to instructor unavailability, a pro-rata refund will be issued for any unused prepaid lessons.
5.4 No refunds are available for lessons cancelled by you with less than 48 hours’ notice or for no-shows.
6. Vehicles & Insurance
6.1 Our training vehicles are fully insured for learner driver use. We are not liable for any loss, damage, or claim beyond the scope of our insurance cover.
6.2 If lessons take place in your own vehicle, you are responsible for ensuring it is roadworthy, taxed, MOT’d, and fully insured for learner driver use. We accept no liability for accidents, damage, or losses occurring in a customer’s own vehicle.
7. Behaviour & Conduct (including Customer Conduct During Lessons)
7.1 We reserve the right to terminate a lesson immediately if a customer’s behaviour is abusive, aggressive, unsafe, or otherwise inappropriate. In such cases, the full lesson fee remains payable.
7.2 Smoking and Vaping: Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in the instructor’s vehicle. If you require a break to smoke or vape, you may request one, but the break will form part of your lesson time and is at your own expense.
7.3 Additional Passengers: Friends or family members are generally not permitted to accompany you during lessons. This is due to insurance restrictions and to reduce distractions. A limited exception may be made if you require a religious or cultural chaperone, but this must be agreed in advance and is subject to insurance compatibility.
8. In-Car Cameras & Recordings
8.1 Lessons and driving tests may be recorded using in-car cameras (video and/or audio) for training, safety, and promotional purposes.
8.2 By undertaking lessons, you consent to such recordings. Footage may be used for (a) reviewing driving progress; (b) instructor training; and/or (c) publication on our website, YouTube channel, or other platforms.
8.3 You will not be personally identified in published footage unless you give explicit consent.
8.4 You may withdraw consent for the future use of recordings at any time by notifying us in writing. This does not affect material already published.
9. Testimonials, Reviews & Photographs
9.1 If you provide a testimonial, review, or photograph (including “pass photos”), you grant us permission to use, reproduce, and publish it for marketing purposes in any media.
9.2 By submitting such material, you assign to us all copyright and intellectual property rights in that content.
9.3 You confirm that any testimonial or photograph supplied does not infringe the rights of any third party.
10. Limitation of Liability
10.1 We make every effort to teach safe and responsible driving. However, we are not liable for accidents, injury, loss, or damage arising from your actions during or after lessons.
10.2 Our maximum liability for any claim shall not exceed the total amount paid by you for lessons.
10.3 We are not liable for delays, cancellations, or shortened lessons resulting from events outside our reasonable control.
11. Data Protection & Privacy
11.1 Personal data is processed in accordance with UK data protection law.
11.2 Your information will only be used to manage lessons, communicate with you, and (where consented) for promotional purposes.
12. Force Majeure
12.1 We shall not be liable for delays, shortened lessons, late arrivals, late drop-offs, or failure to provide lessons due to events beyond our reasonable control.
12.2 Such events may include, but are not limited to: (a) traffic congestion, breakdowns, accidents, or diversions; (b) extreme or unsafe weather; (c) instructor illness or family emergencies; (d) public transport disruption; (e) DVSA strikes or test centre closures; (f) government restrictions, pandemics, or Acts of God.
12.3 We will notify you where possible and rearrange affected lessons.
12.4 No compensation, damages, or refunds will be payable, except for pro-rata refunds of prepaid lessons that cannot be rescheduled.
13. Governing Law
13.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
13.2 Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Appendix A – Yellow Car Game Rules
A.1 The “Yellow Car Game” may be played during lessons. The following rules apply:
A.1.1 The game starts when the lesson begins.
A.1.2 Points reset with each new lesson.
A.1.3 Only cars count (no vans, buses, or other vehicles).
A.1.4 The car must be at least 80% yellow.
A.1.5 The first person to say “yellow car” scores the point.
A.1.6 1 point is awarded for each eligible yellow car; 10 points for each eligible yellow Mini.
A.1.7 The car must be in motion; parked cars do not count.
A.1.8 Each yellow car may be counted once only per lesson.
A.1.9 Gold is not yellow; if unsure, compare with the yellow on the rear number plate.
A.1.10 Physical contact (e.g. punching or tapping) is strictly prohibited.
A.1.11 Saying “yellow car” alone secures the point; phrases such as “no returns” have no additional effect.
A.1.12 No personal or additional rules may be introduced.