Terms and Conditions

Smart Driving Academy Oxford

These terms and conditions apply to all driving lessons, lesson packages, intensive courses and practical test vehicle bookings with Smart Driving Academy Oxford. By booking a lesson or service, you agree to these terms.

1. Driving Licence and Eligibility

– You must hold a valid UK provisional or full driving licence appropriate for the lessons booked.
– If you have an older-style UK driving licence without a photograph, you must bring a valid passport for identification.
– If you hold an international driving licence, you must ensure that you meet the legal requirements for driving lessons in the UK.
– You must meet the applicable minimum age and legal requirements for driving a car in the UK.

2. Eyesight Requirements

You must be able to read a standard vehicle number plate from the legally required distance: 20 metres for current-style number plates or 20.5 metres for older-style number plates. You may wear glasses or contact lenses if needed.

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet the legal eyesight requirements before starting your lessons.

3. Medical Conditions

You must inform your instructor of any medical condition, disability or medication that could affect your ability to drive safely. You are responsible for meeting the relevant DVLA medical requirements and notifying the DVLA where legally required.

4. Payments

– Payment must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled lesson, unless another arrangement has been agreed in advance.
– If payment is not received by the required deadline, Smart Driving Academy reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the lesson.
– Any discounts, promotional prices or package rates must be agreed at the time of booking.
– Lesson packages must be paid for in accordance with the agreed payment terms.

5. Cancellations and Rescheduling

– You must give at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a lesson.
– Cancellations or changes made with less than 48 hours’ notice may incur the full lesson fee.
– If you fail to attend a lesson without giving the required notice, the full lesson fee may be charged.
– Your instructor will normally wait up to 30 minutes at the agreed pick-up location. If you have not arrived or made contact within this period, the lesson may be recorded as a no-show and charged in full.
– If your instructor needs to cancel or reschedule a lesson, an alternative appointment will be offered where possible. If a paid lesson cannot be provided and no alternative arrangement is agreed, a refund will be arranged as appropriate.

6. Practical Driving Tests and Test-Day Vehicle Use

Your safety and readiness for the practical driving test are our priority.

Booking a practical driving test does not automatically guarantee that your instructor will provide the vehicle for the test.

Your instructor must be satisfied that you can drive safely, independently and to the required DVSA practical test standard before agreeing to provide the vehicle for your test.

Smart Driving Academy reserves the right to refuse the use of its vehicle for a practical driving test if, in the instructor’s professional judgement, you are not sufficiently prepared, cannot demonstrate the required driving standard, or would present an unacceptable safety risk.

This decision may be based on your performance during lessons, mock tests, assessments or other relevant observations.

Where reasonably possible, your instructor will explain the areas requiring improvement and recommend further lessons or a mock test before another test attempt.

Please note:

– Passing a mock test is not an absolute guarantee that the vehicle will be provided on test day.
– Paying for lessons or booking a practical test does not guarantee that you will be considered test-ready.
– You remain responsible for your DVSA practical test booking and any applicable test fees.
– If the instructor decides not to provide the vehicle, any refund or rescheduling of a separately paid test-day service will be handled in accordance with the agreed booking terms and applicable consumer law.

We strongly recommend discussing your readiness with your instructor before booking your practical test.

7. DVSA Test Changes and Cancellations

Practical driving tests are managed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Smart Driving Academy cannot control DVSA test cancellations, delays or changes. We are not responsible for changes made by the DVSA that are outside our control.

If you have separately booked your instructor’s vehicle for your test, the agreed cancellation and rescheduling terms for that service will apply, subject to applicable consumer law.

8. Deposits and Refunds

Any deposit, booking fee or advance payment will be subject to the terms explained when you make your booking.

Deposits may be retained where permitted by law and where this is justified by the circumstances, such as reasonable costs incurred or a late cancellation.

Refund requests will be considered fairly and in accordance with the agreed booking terms and applicable consumer law.

9. Lesson Packages, Vouchers and Promotional Offers

– Lesson packages, vouchers and promotional offers are subject to the conditions communicated at the time of purchase.
– Offers are generally limited to one use per eligible customer unless otherwise stated.
– Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash unless required by law.
– Any expiry dates, restrictions or booking requirements will be explained when the offer is purchased or issued.
– Unused lessons and package refunds will be handled in accordance with the agreed terms and applicable consumer law.

10. Safety and Conduct

You must follow your instructor’s reasonable instructions and behave respectfully throughout each lesson.

Your instructor may refuse to start or may end a lesson if you appear unfit to drive, are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or behave in a way that compromises safety.

Where a lesson cannot safely proceed because of the pupil’s condition or conduct, any charge or refund will be considered in accordance with the circumstances and applicable consumer law.

11. Instructor Changes and Availability

Lesson appointments are subject to instructor availability. If your usual instructor is unavailable, an alternative appointment or instructor may be offered where possible.

Any changes will be communicated as soon as reasonably practicable.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these terms and conditions, payments, cancellations or practical test readiness, please contact Smart Driving Academy Oxford before making your booking.