Alpha Driving School and Instructor Training Pupil Terms and Conditions

You should read these terms and conditions carefully as they set out our and your legal rights in relation to the Alpha Driving School Website/App.

Our Website/App enables you to book driving tuition services provided by third-party driving instructors who operate their own businesses.

Any driving tuition services booked through our Website/App will be provided by a driving instructor under a separate contract between you and the driving instructor.

We act as an agent for driving instructors when facilitating bookings via our Website/App.

We may update these terms from time to time by publishing modified terms on our Website/App. Any changes will take effect immediately upon publication.

Your attention is specifically drawn to the following key terms:

- For information about who we are and how to contact us, see Paragraph 2

- For your rights to change or cancel a booking, see Paragraph 8 (you must notify us of changes or cancellations at least 48 hours before the lesson, excluding weekends)

- For your rights to end this Agreement early, see Paragraph 11

- For details on limitations and exclusions of our liability, see Paragraph 15

Nothing in this Agreement affects your statutory rights as a consumer.

1. These Terms

1.1 What these terms cover

These terms govern your use of the Alpha Driving School Website/App ("Website/App") to book driving tuition services with third-party instructors and process payments for such services ("Website/App Services").

1.2 Why you should read them

These terms, along with our Privacy Notice and Cookie Policy, form this "Agreement" and outline who we are, how we provide the Website/App Services, how this Agreement can be changed or terminated, how to address issues, and other important information.

1.3 Your agreement for driving tuition is with your instructor

The contract for driving tuition is solely between you and your driving instructor and is separate from this Agreement. Your instructor is responsible for all obligations related to the provision of driving tuition, including bookings made via our Website/App.

1.4 Our agreement with you for Website/App Services

This Agreement is between you and Alpha Driving School for the Website/App Services, which enable you to book driving tuition with third-party instructors and process payments.

1.5 Acceptance of this Agreement

By using the Website/App Services, you agree to be bound by this Agreement to the exclusion of all other terms. You also consent to us processing your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, which may be updated periodically. If you do not accept these terms, please do not use our Website/App.

2. Who We Are and How to Contact Us

2.1 Who we are

We are Alpha Driving School and Instructor Training (trading as Alpha Driving School).

2.2 How to contact us

For queries related to driving tuition, contact your instructor first. For issues concerning the Website/App Services, contact our Pupil Service Team via our Live Chat or at:

Alpha Driving School

1 Standside Park, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 8BH

Phone: 07359220052

Email: [email protected]

3. We Act as Agent for Your Instructor

3.1 Your instructor

Your instructor operates their own driving tuition business as a self-employed franchisee of Alpha Driving School.

3.2 We act as agent

Alpha Driving School acts as an agent for your instructor in providing the Website/App Services, including:

3.2.1 Facilitating bookings for driving tuition with your instructor

3.2.2 Providing information or documentation to you

3.2.3 Processing payments for your lessons

4. Website/App Services

4.1 Our Website/App Services

Our Website/App provides information about instructor availability in your area and their fees.

4.2 Responsibility for lessons and tests

Your instructor, operating their own business, is solely responsible for all aspects of driving tuition under their separate contract with you, including the timing, location, and content of lessons and tests.

4.3 Eligibility for booking lessons

Lessons can only be booked via our Website/App for individuals who meet ALL of the following criteria:

4.3.1 Aged 17 or over, or aged 16 or over and receiving the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (mobility component)

4.3.2 Holds a valid UK provisional driving licence, full UK driving licence, or overseas driving licence

4.3.3 Is legally entitled to drive in the UK

4.4 Licence

You must present a valid driving licence to your instructor at your first lesson. We may request your licence details to verify its validity.

4.5 Entitlement to drive

You must inform your instructor of any matters affecting your ability or entitlement to receive driving tuition, such as the loss of a valid UK provisional driving licence or other relevant licence.

4.6 Failure to provide required information

If you do not provide requested information within a reasonable time or provide incomplete or incorrect information, we may terminate this Agreement (see Paragraph 12) or charge a reasonable additional fee for extra work required. We are not responsible for delays or failures caused by your failure to provide necessary information promptly.

4.7 Events Outside Our Control

If the Website/App Services or driving lessons are delayed or cancelled due to events beyond our control (e.g., severe weather, government restrictions, or pandemics), we will notify you promptly and take steps to minimize the impact. We are not liable for such delays or cancellations, but if there is a significant delay or repeated cancellations, you may contact us to end this Agreement and receive a refund for any pre-paid tuition not yet received.

4.8 Suspension of Website/App Services

We may suspend the Website/App Services to:

4.8.1 Address technical issues or make minor technical changes

4.8.2 Update the services to comply with legal or regulatory changes

4.8.3 Implement changes requested by you or notified by us (see Paragraph 10)

4.9 Your rights if we suspend services

We will notify you in advance of any suspension unless it is urgent or an emergency. If we suspend the Website/App Services for more than 30 days, you may contact us to end this Agreement and receive a refund for any pre-paid tuition not yet received.

4.10 Suspension for non-payment

If you fail to make payment when due (see Paragraph 5) and do not pay within 14 days of our reminder, we may suspend the Website/App Services, and you will not be entitled to associated driving tuition until outstanding amounts are paid.

4.11 Observation of Lessons

Your driving lessons may occasionally be observed by a third party, such as an instructor trainer, quality assurance representative, or regulatory authority, for the purposes of training, assessment, or compliance with legal or industry standards. You will be notified in advance if your lesson is scheduled to be observed.

4.12 Pupil Conduct and Safety

You must comply with your instructor’s reasonable instructions during lessons to ensure safety and effective learning. You must arrive for lessons on time, sober, and in a fit state to drive, and refrain from any behavior that may distract the instructor or compromise safety (e.g., using a mobile phone while driving). Failure to comply may result in the lesson being terminated without a refund, and repeated non-compliance may lead to termination of this Agreement (see Paragraph 12).

4.13 Health and Medical Disclosures

You must inform your instructor and Alpha Driving School of any medical conditions, disabilities, or medications that may affect your ability to drive safely or require accommodations, as required by law. Failure to disclose such information may result in lesson cancellation without a refund and/or termination of this Agreement (see Paragraph 12).

4.14 Lesson Duration and Punctuality

Lessons are typically scheduled for a duration specified at booking (e.g., one or two hours). If you arrive late, the lesson duration may be reduced accordingly, and no refund or extension will be provided. If a lesson is shortened due to circumstances beyond the instructor’s control (e.g., vehicle breakdown), your instructor will endeavor to reschedule the remaining time or provide a pro-rata refund.

5. Payment and Lesson Bookings

5.1 Fees

The "Fees" are the amounts you agree to pay for driving lessons, which we collect as an agent for your instructor. Fees include VAT and are in pounds sterling (£) unless stated otherwise. Fees will be displayed on the booking page of our Website/App, with additional fees potentially applicable as outlined in Paragraph 6.

5.2 Payment for the first lesson

The first lesson must be paid in full upfront upon booking to secure your slot.

5.3 Payment for subsequent lessons

Payments for all subsequent lessons must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the lesson. If paying by cash, your account must be in credit before a booking can be confirmed.

5.4 Topping up your account

You may pre-pay additional funds to your account to purchase further lessons. Refunds for pre-paid amounts for unused tuition are subject to Paragraphs 8 and 9.

5.5 Minimum number of lessons

You may be required to pre-pay for a minimum number of lessons, as indicated during the booking process on our Website/App.

5.6 Booking fee

Fees include a booking fee, displayed on our Website/App before payment, applied to your initial lesson package and all future top-ups.

5.7 Payment method

Payments must be made using the payment methods specified on our Website/App. We do not accept other forms of payment, and neither we nor Alpha Driving School are responsible for payments made by other means, including direct payments to instructors (see Paragraph 5.11).

5.8 Third-party payment platform

Payments are processed via a third-party payment platform, which may change. You will be notified of the platform and its terms at the time of payment. You confirm that the payment method used is yours or that you are authorised to use it.

5.9 Payment data

We do not collect, hold, or process your payment details, which are handled by the third-party payment platform.

5.10 Pricing errors

If a lesson is incorrectly priced, we will contact you for instructions if the correct price is higher. If we process a booking with an obvious pricing error, we may cancel the booking and refund any pre-paid amounts for unused tuition.

5.11 Payments to instructors

We are not responsible for any payments made directly to instructors or other third parties.

6. Price Changes

6.1 Price validity

Fees for pre-paid tuition are based on the lesson price at the time of booking confirmation and are valid for 6 months. Unused lessons after 6 months may be subject to price increases, which you will be required to pay.

6.2 Adjustments to pre-paid amounts

If you have pre-paid, you may need to pay additional amounts or receive a refund as follows:

6.2.1 If you move to a new postcode area and request a new instructor who charges a higher rate, you must cover the difference. If the new rate is lower, you will be refunded the difference.

6.2.2 If you switch instructors within the same postcode area and the new instructor charges a higher rate, you must pay the difference. If the rate is lower, you will receive a refund.

6.2.3 If the new instructor charges a supplement (e.g., for automatic transmission), you must pay the supplement.

6.2.4 If you switch from a trainee to a fully qualified instructor at your request, you must pay the difference in rates.

7. Special Offers and Discounts

7.1 Special offers

We may offer discounts to new or existing pupils, subject to additional terms and availability. We reserve the right to introduce or withdraw offers without notice.

7.2 Introductory offers

Introductory offers are available only to new pupils who have not previously booked with Alpha Driving School, apply only to the first booking, cannot be combined with other offers, and are non-transferable.

8. Changes to Bookings

8.1 Cancelling a booking

You must provide at least 48 hours’ prior notice (excluding weekends) to cancel a lesson. For example, for a lesson on Tuesday at 12:30, the latest cancellation time without charge is Friday at 12:30.

8.2 Failure to give 48 hours’ notice

If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, you will be charged for the lesson in full, subject to your statutory 14-day cooling-off rights (see Paragraph 11.3).

8.3 Cancelling driving tests

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requires ten clear working days to cancel or reschedule a test. You may lose your DVSA test fee if you fail to cancel in time or if your instructor deems you unready within this period.

8.4 Instructor cancellations

If your instructor cancels a lesson, they will attempt to rearrange it. If they do not, contact them directly or reach out to us for assistance.

8.5 Replacement instructors

Your instructor may arrange a replacement instructor and will inform you of their name in advance. If you prefer not to proceed with the replacement, inform your instructor to make alternative arrangements.

8.6 Changes by us

We may need to change or cancel a booking. If this occurs, we will notify you and endeavour to re-book your lessons at your earliest convenience.

8.7 Cancellation for Safety Concerns

Your instructor may cancel a lesson at their discretion if they believe you are unfit to drive (e.g., due to intoxication, fatigue, or illness). No refund will be provided for such cancellations, and repeated instances may lead to termination of this Agreement (see Paragraph 12).

9. Refunds

9.1 Statutory rights

Nothing in this paragraph affects your statutory rights to a refund as a consumer.

9.2 Refunds of pre-paid amounts

You may request a refund for unused tuition pre-paid to us, subject to the following:

9.2.1 No refunds for lessons already taken or booking fees

9.2.2 No refunds for lessons cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice

9.2.3 Refunds will typically use the original payment method or another method we deem appropriate

9.2.4 We may request additional information to verify your identity for compliance with anti-money laundering regulations

9.2.5 Refunds may take up to 10 working days

9.2.6 Partial block booking refunds will be pro-rated, with discounts potentially adjusted if minimum booking criteria are unmet

9.2.7 No refunds for "buy one, get one free" or similar offers once the first lesson is taken

9.3 Direct payments to instructors

We are not responsible for refunds of payments made directly to instructors (see Paragraph 5.11).

10. Our Rights to Make Changes

10.1 Changes to terms

We may update this Agreement by publishing modified terms on our Website/App. Continued use of the Website/App after changes constitutes acceptance. We recommend retaining a copy of this Agreement.

10.2 Changes to bookings or services

We may need to change or cancel bookings (see Paragraph 8.6) or modify the Website/App Services.

10.3 If you are unhappy with changes

If you disagree with changes to bookings, services, or this Agreement, you may cancel your booking(s) and receive a refund for unused tuition.

11. Your Rights to End This Agreement

11.1 Ending the Agreement

Your rights to end this Agreement depend on what you have purchased, our performance, and when you decide to terminate:

11.1.1 If services are faulty or misdescribed, you may have statutory rights to end the Agreement, have services re-performed, or receive a refund

11.1.2 If you wish to end due to our actions or planned actions, see Paragraph 11.2

11.1.3 If you change your mind as a consumer, see Paragraph 11.3 for 14-day cooling-off rights

11.2 Ending due to our actions

You may end this Agreement immediately with a full refund for unused tuition if:

11.2.1 We notify you of changes to the Website/App Services or terms you do not accept

11.2.2 We inform you of an error in Fees or tuition description, and you do not wish to proceed

11.2.3 There is a significant delay in services due to events beyond our control

11.2.4 We suspend services for technical reasons for over 30 days

11.2.5 You have a legal right to end due to our fault

11.3 Consumer 14-day cooling-off period

As a consumer, you may cancel within 14 days of entering this Agreement (i.e., when you first book or pre-pay for tuition) and receive a refund, subject to deductions for services already provided.

11.4 Start of cooling-off period

The 14-day period begins when you first book or pre-pay for tuition using the Website/App Services.

11.5 No right to refund for completed services

You cannot claim a refund for services (including lessons) already performed, even if the cooling-off period is still active.

11.6 Consumer refunds

If entitled to a refund under the cooling-off period, we will refund pre-paid amounts for unused tuition within 10 working days using the original payment method, deducting Fees for services provided.

12. Our Rights to End This Agreement

12.1 Termination for breach

We may end this Agreement by notifying you if:

12.1.1 You fail to make payment when due and do not pay within 7 days of our reminder

12.1.2 You fail to provide necessary information within a reasonable time

12.1.3 You otherwise breach this Agreement

12.2 Compensation for breach

If we end the Agreement under Paragraph 12.1, we will refund pre-paid amounts for unused lessons but may deduct reasonable compensation for costs incurred due to your breach.

13. Transferability of Lessons or Pre-Payments

You cannot sell or transfer lessons or pre-payments purchased in your name to another person.

14. Fraud Prevention

14.1 Valid lessons

Lessons are valid only if paid for using the methods in Paragraph 5.7 and in accordance with these terms. Contact us immediately if lessons were purchased through another source.

14.2 Suspension or cancellation

We may suspend or cancel lessons not purchased in accordance with this Agreement without notice, and neither we nor your instructor will be liable for related payments.

15. Our Responsibility for Loss and Damage

15.1 Excluded losses

Alpha Driving School is not responsible for:

15.1.1 Losses arising from driving tuition, as this is provided under a separate contract with your instructor

15.1.2 Unforeseeable losses not obvious or anticipated based on information provided before booking

15.1.3 Losses caused by events outside our control, provided we comply with Paragraph 4.7

15.1.4 Avoidable losses caused by you or preventable by reasonable action

15.1.5 Business losses, including loss of profit, revenue, business, savings, goodwill, or opportunity

15.2 Non-excludable liability

We do not exclude liability for:

15.2.1 Death or personal injury caused by our negligence or that of our employees, agents, or subcontractors

15.2.2 Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation

15.2.3 Any matter where exclusion or restriction of liability would be unlawful

15.3 Statutory rights

Nothing in this Agreement affects your statutory consumer rights.

16. Insurance

16.1 Instructor’s Insurance

Your instructor will maintain appropriate motor vehicle insurance to cover you as a learner driver in the event of a collision while driving their tuition vehicle.

16.2 Pupil Responsibility for Vehicle

You must use the instructor’s tuition vehicle with care and follow all instructions to prevent damage. You may be liable for repair costs if damage results from your negligence or intentional misuse, provided this does not affect the instructor’s insurance obligations (see Paragraph 16.1).

17. Short Notice Test Package

17.1 Definition

A short notice test is a driving test booked with four weeks or less from the first planned lesson to the test date.

17.2 Package details

A short notice test package includes a minimum of six hours of instructor and vehicle time, comprising a two-hour driving assessment, two hours of familiarisation, and two hours on the test day. You must pay for at least six hours of tuition before booking. Additional hours within the short notice period are charged at the instructor’s standard rate plus £5.

17.3 If you fail your test

Additional lessons after a failed test will be charged at the instructor’s standard rate.

17.4 Cancellation

You must provide 48 hours’ prior notice to cancel a short notice test package (see Paragraphs 8 and 9).

17.5 Initial assessment

During the two-hour assessment, your instructor will evaluate your readiness. If deemed unready, the instructor is not obligated to take you to the test and will advise on next steps, which may require additional lessons.

17.6 Rescheduling tests

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requires ten clear working days to cancel or reschedule a test. If your instructor deems you unready after the assessment, you may lose your DVSA test fee, and neither we nor your instructor are liable.

17.7 Unused tuition

Unused pre-paid hours can be applied to further tuition if you reschedule your test.

17.8 Instructor Discretion on Test Readiness

Your instructor may, at their discretion, determine that you are not ready for a driving test and recommend postponement or additional lessons. Neither we nor your instructor are liable for any costs (e.g., lost test fees) arising from such decisions.

18. Your Account

18.1 Account credentials

Upon registering, you receive personal, non-transferable access credentials. You must keep these confidential and notify us immediately of any security breach, such as loss or unauthorised use.

18.2 Responsibility for content

You are responsible for all activity and payments made using your credentials. You may not adapt or circumvent our Website/App systems.

19. Third-Party Websites

19.1 Links to third-party websites

Our Website/App may include links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their content, materials, or offerings.

19.2 Use of third-party websites

Third-party website terms apply, and you should review them before use. Links do not imply endorsement by us.

20. Our Responsibility for This Website

20.1 Website/App reliability

We do not guarantee that our Website/App will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from viruses or harmful elements.

20.2 Suspension

We may suspend the Website/App without notice for maintenance, improvements, or other reasons.

21. Intellectual Property Rights

21.1 Ownership of materials

All Website/App content is owned by us or our licensors, and we reserve all intellectual property rights. You may download or print a single copy for personal use but may not reproduce or redistribute content without our written permission.

21.2 Brands and logos

Alpha Driving School trademarks, brands, and logos are owned by Alpha Driving School and used under licence. You may not use or replicate them except as permitted in this paragraph.

22. Data Submitted by You

22.1 Your content ownership

You retain copyright in content you submit to our Website/App but grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, non-terminable licence to use, copy, distribute, publish, and transmit it.

22.2 Responsibility for content

You are responsible for ensuring submitted content is accurate, lawful, and free from viruses or harmful elements. We are not liable for user-submitted content.

22.3 Removal of material

We may remove content from our Website/App that we consider inappropriate, harmful, or in breach of this Agreement.

22.4 Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in our Privacy Policy or as required by law. You may request deletion of your personal data by contacting us, subject to any legal obligations we must meet.

23. Other Important Terms

23.1 Transfer by us

We may transfer our rights or obligations under this Agreement, ensuring your rights are not prejudiced.

23.2 Transfer by you

You may not transfer your rights or obligations without our prior written consent.

23.3 Third-party rights

This Agreement is between you and Alpha Driving School. No other party has rights under it, except our affiliates, per The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

23.4 Severability

If any provision is deemed unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, it will be severed, and the remaining provisions will remain enforceable.

23.5 Termination effects

Termination of this Agreement does not affect our right to receive owed payments.

23.6 Delayed enforcement

Our failure to enforce any term does not prevent future enforcement.

23.7 Interpretation

Headings are for convenience and do not affect interpretation. Terms like "including" are illustrative and non-limiting.

23.8 Governing law and jurisdiction

These terms are governed by English law. You may bring proceedings in the courts of England and Wales, or, if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, in those respective courts.

23.9 Notices

We may send notices to your most recent email address provided to us.

24. Customer Care and Complaints

24.1 Instructor issues

For problems with driving tuition, contact your instructor first, as they provide tuition under a separate contract. Avoid further lessons until the issue is resolved.

24.2 Changing instructors

You may switch instructors via our Website/App or by contacting us.

24.3 Website/App issues

For questions or complaints about the Website/App Services, contact our Pupil Service Team via Live Chat.

24.4 Complaints department

If unresolved, contact our Complaints Department:

Alpha Driving School

1 Standside Park, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 8BH

Phone: 07359220052

Email: [email protected]

We may require evidence of transactions and lesson times to investigate. Keep your records accurate and up to date.