Welcome to Drive Genics. Please read these terms and conditions carefully before booking any driving lessons or using our services. By booking a lesson or registering with us, you agree to be bound by the terms outlined below.
1. Driving Licence and Fitness to Drive
Licence Requirements:
The pupil must hold a valid UK provisional or full driving licence and must produce it on or before their first lesson.
Fitness to Drive:
The pupil must ensure they are fit to drive. This includes meeting the statutory eyesight requirement (reading a standard vehicle registration plate from a distance of 20.5 meters).
Impairment:
Lessons will be terminated immediately if the instructor suspects the pupil is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that impairs driving ability. The full lesson fee will still apply
2. Payments and Block Bookings
Direct-to-Instructor Payments:
Drive Genics does not process lesson payments through our website. All lesson fees must be paid directly to your assigned driving instructor.
Payment Methods:
Payments should be made via bank transfer or cash directly to your instructor, as agreed upon prior to your first lesson.
Block Bookings:
To secure discounted rates for block bookings (e.g., 10 or 20 hours), payment must be made to your instructor in full and in advance of the first lesson of that block.
Validity:
All prepaid block bookings are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase. Any unused hours after this 6-month period will be forfeited and are non-refundable.
3. Cancellations and Rescheduling
48-Hour Notice Rule:
If you need to cancel or rearrange a scheduled lesson, you must give your instructor at least 48 hours' notice.
Late Cancellations:
If notice is given less than 48 hours before the lesson, the pupil will be charged the full fee for that lesson slot.
Instructor Cancellations:
Your instructor reserves the right to cancel a lesson at short notice due to vehicle breakdown, mechanical failure, severe weather conditions, or examiner scheduling conflicts. In these rare events, the lesson will be rescheduled at no extra cost to the pupil.
4. Practical Driving Tests
Test Bookings:
Pupils must consult with their Drive Genics instructor before booking a practical driving test.
Use of Vehicle:
Your instructor reserves the right to withhold the use of the school vehicle for a practical test if, in the instructor’s professional opinion, the pupil has not reached a safe, test-ready standard.
Test Fees:
The hire of the instructor's car for the practical test will be charged at our package rate, which usually includes a pre-test warm-up hour, the duration of the test, and the journey home.
5. Franchise Status of Instructors
Independent Contractors:
Drive Genics acts as an agent connecting pupils with local instructors. All of our Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs) operate as independent franchise owners.
Liability:
As independent contractors, contractual liability for the provision of driving tuition rests directly between the pupil and their designated instructor.
6. Code of Conduct and Safety
Mutual Respect:
Drive Genics promotes a safe, positive learning environment. Any abusive, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior toward our instructors will result in the immediate termination of the lesson and a permanent ban from the school without a refund.
Fines and Penalties:
The pupil is legally responsible for any motoring offences, speeding fines, or parking penalties incurred while they are driving the vehicle.
