Terms and Conditions

Last updated: January 2026

1. About These Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of services provided by IMS Driving School ("we", "us", "our"). By engaging our services or using our website (https://imsdrivingschool.co.uk), you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

Business Details:

2. Our Services

We provide professional driving instruction services throughout Manchester and Greater Manchester, including:

  • Manual and automatic driving lessons
  • Beginner lesson packages (10, 20, 30+ hours)
  • Intensive driving courses (1-2 weeks)
  • Pass Plus courses
  • Refresher lessons for qualified drivers
  • Theory test support and guidance
  • Motorway lessons (post-test)
  • Test preparation packages

2.1 Service Standards

  • All instructors are DVSA Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) with valid certification
  • Lessons are conducted in dual-controlled, fully insured vehicles
  • All vehicles meet current safety and environmental standards
  • We maintain up-to-date knowledge of test routes and DVSA requirements

2.2 Areas Covered

We provide driving lessons across Manchester and Greater Manchester, including but not limited to: Didsbury, Chorlton, Fallowfield, Withington, Levenshulme, Rusholme, City Centre, Salford, Stretford, Sale, and surrounding areas. Test centre coverage includes West Didsbury, Cheetham Hill, Sale, and other local centres.

3. Eligibility Requirements

3.1 Student Requirements

To take driving lessons with us, you must:

  • Be aged 17 or over for car lessons on public roads
  • Hold a valid UK provisional driving licence (or full licence for refresher/Pass Plus)
  • Be medically fit to drive as per DVLA requirements
  • Inform us of any medical conditions that may affect your driving ability
  • Wear appropriate corrective eyewear if required by your licence
  • Provide accurate personal information when booking

3.2 Provisional Licence

You must have a valid provisional driving licence before your first lesson. We cannot provide lessons to anyone without a valid licence. You can apply for a provisional licence at www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence.

3.3 Students Under 18

Students under 18 years of age may require parental or guardian consent. We may request written consent before lessons commence and reserve the right to contact parents/guardians regarding lesson progress or concerns.

3.4 Medical Conditions

You must inform us of any medical conditions that may affect your driving, including but not limited to:

  • Epilepsy or seizures
  • Diabetes requiring medication
  • Visual impairments
  • Heart conditions
  • Mental health conditions
  • Any condition requiring DVLA notification

Failure to disclose relevant medical conditions may result in termination of lessons.

4. Booking and Scheduling

4.1 Making a Booking

  • Bookings can be made online via our website, by phone, or through our contact form
  • Lessons are subject to instructor availability
  • We aim to accommodate preferred times but cannot guarantee specific slots
  • Block bookings and intensive courses may require advance booking
  • A deposit may be required for block bookings and intensive courses

4.2 Lesson Confirmation

  • All lessons should be confirmed 24 hours in advance
  • You are responsible for confirming lesson times and pickup locations
  • We will send reminders where possible, but this does not remove your responsibility to attend
  • Changes to confirmed lessons require 48 hours notice where possible

4.3 Pickup Locations

  • Lessons typically start and end at an agreed pickup location
  • You must ensure the pickup location is accessible and safe
  • Standard pickup is within our coverage area; additional travel may incur charges
  • We reserve the right to change pickup locations for safety or practical reasons

5. Pricing and Payment

5.1 Current Pricing

Our current prices are displayed on our website. Prices may change without notice, but confirmed bookings will be honoured at the agreed price.

5.2 Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

  • Online card payments (processed securely via Stripe)
  • Bank transfer (for block bookings)
  • Cash (for individual lessons only, exact amount preferred)

5.3 Payment Schedule

  • Single lessons: Payment due before or at the start of the lesson
  • Block bookings: Full payment required in advance unless otherwise agreed
  • Intensive courses: 50% deposit required at booking, balance due before course start
  • Test day car hire: Payment required at booking

5.4 Promotional Codes

  • Promotional codes must be entered at checkout before payment
  • Codes cannot be applied retrospectively
  • Codes are subject to terms and expiry dates
  • We reserve the right to withdraw promotional offers at any time
  • Only one promotional code can be used per transaction

5.5 Refunds

  • Unused lessons from block bookings are refundable with 7 days written notice
  • Deposits are non-refundable within 48 hours of course commencement
  • Refunds will be processed within 14 working days to your original payment method
  • We do not offer refunds for completed lessons
  • See Section 7 for cancellation charges

6. Your Responsibilities

6.1 Before Lessons

You must:

  • Bring your provisional or full driving licence to every lesson
  • Wear appropriate footwear suitable for driving (no high heels, flip-flops, or heavy boots)
  • Wear any required glasses or contact lenses as stated on your licence
  • Get adequate rest before lessons (avoid lessons if overtired)
  • Eat appropriately before lessons (avoid lessons when hungry or immediately after heavy meals)

6.2 During Lessons

You must:

  • Follow instructor guidance and the Highway Code
  • Maintain respectful behaviour towards your instructor and other road users
  • Inform your instructor immediately if you feel unwell
  • Not use your mobile phone while driving
  • Concentrate fully on the lesson

6.3 Safety Requirements

You must not:

  • Attend lessons under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications that affect driving ability)
  • Attend lessons if you are feeling unwell or overtired
  • Use a mobile phone while driving
  • Behave aggressively or use inappropriate language

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the lesson being terminated without refund.

6.4 Progress and Practice

For best results, we recommend:

  • Regular lessons (at least once per week)
  • Private practice between lessons where possible
  • Studying for your theory test alongside practical lessons
  • Being honest about your experience level and any difficulties

7. Cancellation Policy

7.1 Student Cancellations

Notice PeriodCharge
48+ hoursNo charge, lesson rescheduled
24-48 hours50% of lesson fee
Less than 24 hoursFull lesson fee
No-show without noticeFull lesson fee

Notice must be given by phone, text, or email. The time of your message is the cancellation time, not when we read it.

7.2 Emergency Cancellations

Emergency cancellations (illness, bereavement, accidents) may be considered at the instructor's discretion with appropriate evidence. We try to be understanding of genuine emergencies.

7.3 Instructor Cancellations

  • We will provide as much notice as possible for any cancellation
  • An alternative time or instructor will be offered at no additional cost
  • No charges apply for instructor-initiated cancellations
  • In exceptional circumstances (illness, vehicle breakdown), we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity

7.4 Weather Conditions

Lessons may be cancelled for safety reasons in severe weather conditions including:

  • Heavy snow or ice
  • Flooding
  • Extremely high winds
  • Severe fog

No charges apply for weather-related cancellations, and lessons will be rescheduled.

7.5 Repeated Cancellations

Students who repeatedly cancel or no-show may be required to pay in advance for future lessons or may have their booking privileges restricted.

8. Lesson Content and Progression

8.1 Lesson Structure

  • Standard lessons are 2 hours in duration
  • Lessons include practical driving instruction and feedback
  • Content is tailored to your individual needs and progress
  • We follow DVSA guidelines for learner driver training

8.2 Progression

  • Progress is assessed throughout your lessons
  • We provide honest feedback on your readiness for the driving test
  • Test dates should be discussed with your instructor
  • We will not recommend you take a test until you are ready
  • Test readiness is ultimately the examiner's decision

8.3 Teaching Methods

  • Patient, calm instruction style
  • Explanation of manoeuvres before attempting them
  • Step-by-step approach to building skills
  • Constructive feedback and encouragement

9. Instructor Rights and Standards

9.1 Professional Standards

  • All instructors maintain current DVSA ADI registration
  • Instructors undertake regular training and development
  • We maintain professional liability insurance
  • Instructors follow DVSA code of practice

9.2 Instructor Authority

The instructor may end a lesson early without refund if:

  • You appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • You behave aggressively, inappropriately, or use abusive language
  • You repeatedly ignore safety instructions
  • Continuing would pose a safety risk to you, the instructor, or others
  • You do not have your driving licence with you

9.3 Instructor Decisions

  • Instructor decisions on lesson content and progression are final
  • If you disagree with your instructor's assessment, please discuss it calmly
  • Formal complaints can be made using our complaints procedure (see Section 14)

10. Insurance and Liability

10.1 Our Insurance

  • All tuition vehicles have comprehensive motor insurance for learner drivers
  • We hold public liability insurance
  • All instructors are covered for professional indemnity
  • Insurance documentation is available on request

10.2 Your Liability

  • You may be liable for damage caused by deliberate reckless driving or failure to follow instructions
  • Any damage costs will be based on insurance excess and repair costs
  • We recommend checking whether your own insurance covers you as a learner driver

10.3 Limitation of Liability

  • Our total liability is limited to the cost of lessons provided
  • We are not liable for driving test failures or DVLA licensing issues
  • We cannot guarantee test pass dates or specific outcomes
  • We are not responsible for damage to your personal belongings left in the vehicle
  • Force majeure events may affect service availability

10.4 Personal Injury

  • In the unlikely event of an accident, we will follow standard insurance procedures
  • You should seek medical attention if required
  • Any claims should be directed through our insurance provider

11. Driving Tests

11.1 Test Bookings

  • You are responsible for booking your own practical driving test via the DVSA
  • Book online at www.gov.uk/book-driving-test
  • We can provide guidance on booking procedures and test centre locations
  • Test dates should be discussed with your instructor to ensure readiness

11.2 Test Day Services

  • Use of our vehicle for your practical test is available (included in packages or additional charge for single lessons)
  • A pre-test lesson on test day is strongly recommended
  • We will ensure you arrive at the test centre in good time
  • Instructor accompaniment to the test centre is included where vehicle hire is booked

11.3 Test Results

  • We cannot guarantee test outcomes
  • Pass rates depend on individual student ability, practice, and test conditions
  • If unsuccessful, we can help you prepare for a retest
  • We provide post-test feedback regardless of outcome

11.4 Test Cancellation

  • DVSA test cancellations and refunds are handled directly with DVSA
  • Our own cancellation policy applies to any associated lessons or car hire

12. Data Protection and Privacy

We process your personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. For full details, please see our Privacy Policy.

Summary:

  • We collect only information necessary to provide driving lessons
  • Your data is stored securely and not shared with third parties for marketing
  • You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data
  • Lesson records are retained for insurance and regulatory purposes (up to 7 years)
  • Payment data is processed securely by our payment provider (Stripe)

13. Website Terms

13.1 Use of Website

  • Website content is for informational purposes only
  • Prices, packages, and availability are subject to change without notice
  • We reserve the right to modify website content at any time
  • Online booking constitutes acceptance of these Terms

13.2 Intellectual Property

All website content, including text, images, logos, and design, is the property of IMS Driving School and may not be reproduced without written permission.

13.3 Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these sites.

14. Complaints and Disputes

14.1 Complaints Procedure

If you have a complaint:

  1. Raise it with your instructor first if possible
  2. If unresolved, contact us in writing within 7 days of the issue
  3. We will acknowledge your complaint within 2 working days
  4. We aim to resolve complaints within 14 working days
  5. You will receive a written response to your complaint

14.2 Escalation

If you remain unsatisfied after following our complaints procedure, you may escalate to:

15. General Provisions

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable or invalid by a court, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

15.3 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and IMS Driving School regarding our services.

15.4 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Severe weather conditions
  • Pandemics or public health emergencies
  • Government restrictions or lockdowns
  • Transport disruptions
  • Vehicle breakdown
  • Instructor illness

15.5 No Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

15.6 Assignment

We may assign or transfer our rights under these Terms. You may not assign your rights without our written consent.

15.7 Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or business practices. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

16. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms and Conditions or to make a complaint:

IMS Driving School

By booking lessons with IMS Driving School, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

© 2026 IMS Driving School. All rights reserved.