Terms and Conditions - Driving by Rob

Last Updated: 11th July 2025

These Terms and Conditions explain how I provide driving lessons, and what you (the student) can expect from me, Rob Trehy, trading as Driving by Rob. They also set out what I expect from you in return.

1. About Me

• I’m a self-employed, DVSA-approved driving instructor (ADI).
• My registration is always up to date, and I’ll display my ADI badge during your lesson.

2. Booking Lessons

• Lessons must be pre-booked – by phone, email, or in person.
• Once I confirm your booking, it's a firm appointment.
• You can book a single lesson or multiple at once.
• I can’t promise regular weekly slots, but I’ll try to offer consistency where possible.

3. Your Comfort and Safety

• Please wear sensible clothes and shoes that allow you to drive comfortably.
• Let me know if anything makes you feel uneasy or distracted during the lesson – even if it’s something I’m doing.
• In emergencies, I may need to take control of the car. I’ll always explain why and help you stay calm.
• I’ll always treat you with respect – I won’t shout, use inappropriate language, or make physical contact.
• If you’re unwell or unable to concentrate, I may end the lesson early or change the activity to something safer.

4. Being on Time

• If you're running late, please let me know.
• If you’re more than 15 minutes late without notice, I may treat it as a missed (chargeable) lesson.
• If I’m late by more than 15 minutes, you can cancel at no charge or I’ll add the lost time onto this or a future lesson.

5. Cancellations

• You: Please give me at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel a lesson. If you cancel late, I may charge the full fee.
• In special circumstances (e.g. illness, bereavement), I’ll consider waiving the fee.
• Me: If I cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice (except for emergencies), I’ll offer you a free lesson.
• I may cancel at short notice due to illness, poor weather, car issues, or another student’s driving test. You won’t be charged for this.
• If you’re not fit to drive (e.g. due to alcohol, drugs, illness), I may cancel the lesson and charge for it.

Cooling-off period (for distance bookings):
If you book a lesson online or by phone, you can cancel within 14 days of booking – unless you’ve already had a lesson during that time. In that case, you’ll only pay for the lessons you've taken.

6. Lesson Location & Duration

• We’ll agree the pick-up location when booking. I may suggest starting elsewhere for safety or lesson goals.
• Standard lessons are 2 hours long. We can extend in 30-minute blocks up to 4 hours.
• With my agreement, we can shorten a lesson (e.g. for a medical appointment), but it must be at least 1 hour.

7. Payment & Fees

• Lessons must be paid for in advance by bank transfer.
• You’ll find my current prices on my website or you can ask me.
• Prices may change, but once you’ve booked, the agreed price stands.

8. What I Promise

I will:

• Do my best to deliver lessons as scheduled.
• Train you to a high standard.
• Always behave professionally and courteously.
• Never use your lesson time for anything else without your permission.
• Follow the DVSA Code of Practice for Instructors.
• Follow the law at all times.

9. What I Expect From You

• Have a valid UK driving licence (provisional or full).
• Bring your licence to every lesson.
• If training after a ban, provide proof you’re allowed to drive again.
• Be able to read a number plate from 20.5 metres away.
• Wear glasses or contacts if needed for driving.
• Tell me about any medical conditions or medication that might affect your driving.
• If you don’t meet these requirements, I may cancel your lesson – and you may still be charged.

10. The Car

• My car is fitted with dual controls, fully insured, well maintained, and clean.
• No smoking or vaping is allowed in the car.
• You can ask to use your own car, but I must approve it first. You’ll need to show me that it’s insured, roadworthy, and legal.

11. Driving Tests

• I’ll let you know when I think you’re ready for your test.
• You’re responsible for booking your theory and practical tests. I can help with the practical if needed.
• Tell me your test details at least 10 working days before it happens.
• Driving tests take priority – this may mean another student’s test causes your lesson to be moved.
• Ask me before you book your test to confirm I think you’re ready.
• You must bring all required documents to your test – missing them can lead to cancellation and loss of your test fee.
• If I’ve approved you to use my car but it becomes unavailable, I’ll try to find a backup. If I can’t, I’ll pay to rebook the test.
• If the DVSA cancels your test, you must still pay me for my time – but I’ll help you claim this back.
• If your skills aren’t ready by test day, I may withhold use of the car and won’t be liable for lost test fees.

12. Ending Tuition

• I may end your lessons if your progress, commitment, or behaviour falls below reasonable expectations.
• You can stop lessons at any time, just follow the cancellation terms in Section 5.
• If lessons are ended, I’ll refund any prepaid unused lessons.

13. My Liability

• I’m responsible for loss or damage caused by my mistakes or negligence – but not for things I couldn’t reasonably foresee.
• My lessons are for personal use – I’m not liable for any business-related loss.
• Nothing in these terms limits your legal rights under consumer law.

14. Changes to Terms

If I update these Terms, I’ll let you know if anything significant changes.

15. Data Protection

I follow GDPR rules when handling your personal information. For full details, ask me for my Privacy Notice.

16. Your Consumer Rights

I follow consumer protection laws and will always give you the required information before you book a lesson. Everything we agree is part of our contract.

17. Feedback & Complaints

I welcome feedback and want you to be happy with your lessons. If you have a complaint, please talk to me directly – by phone, email, or in person.

18. Legal Stuff

• Just because I or you don’t enforce a term straight away doesn’t mean it doesn’t apply.
• If part of this agreement is found invalid, the rest still applies.
• These Terms are governed by the laws of England & Wales. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, your local laws and courts may also apply.

A copy of these terms and conditions can be downloaded from here.