Terms & Conditions

AK Automatic Driving School (AKADS) — Brighton & Hove, West Sussex, Burgess Hill, UK

1. Driving Licence & Eyesight Requirements

• All students must hold a valid and current UK driving licence (provisional or full) before starting lessons.
• Students must be able to read a number plate from 20.5 metres (67 feet / approx. 5 car lengths), with glasses or contact lenses if normally worn.
• It is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet DVSA legal requirements at all times.

2. Payments & Refund Policy

• Payments can be made directly to your AKADS instructor in cash or online via debit/credit card through our website.
• All payments must be made in advance of lessons.
• All monies paid are transferred into the official AKADS account.

Block Booking Terms

• Block booking discounts are non-refundable.
• If a refund is agreed under special circumstances:
  • Lessons taken will be charged at the standard hourly rate (not discounted rate)
  • The remaining balance (if any) will be refunded
• Block bookings must be used within 6 weeks of purchase.

3. Driving Test Policy

A. Test Appointments

• Driving tests may be booked by the student or instructor.
• Driving tests take priority over regular lessons.
• Lessons may be rescheduled to accommodate test bookings.
• Students must inform their instructor of test bookings as soon as they are made, otherwise vehicle availability cannot be guaranteed.

B. Test Cancellation

• The DVSA requires 3 clear working days' notice to cancel or change a test.
• Failure to do so will result in loss of the test fee.
• AKADS is not responsible for DVSA cancellations or delays.
• However, we will assist in rebooking and claiming refunds where possible.

4. Health, Safety & Student Responsibility

• Students must wear suitable footwear and clothing that does not restrict movement.
• Students must not attend lessons under the influence of:
  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • Medication affecting driving ability
• Any such condition must be disclosed to the instructor before the lesson.

5. Website Use – Viruses & Security

• Users must not misuse the website by introducing viruses or malicious material.
• AKADS is not responsible for any loss or damage caused by harmful technology from using the website or linked sites.

6. Termination of Lessons / Refusal of Service

The instructor reserves the right to:

• Cancel or terminate a lesson if the student is unfit to drive (illness, intoxication, etc.)
• Refuse entry into the vehicle if the student is wearing dirty or unsuitable clothing
• Withdraw the vehicle from a driving test if the student is not at test standard

7. Lesson Cancellation Policy

• A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule a lesson.
• Failure to provide notice will result in a full lesson charge.
• Lessons can only be rescheduled once within the notice period.
• If the instructor cancels a lesson without 48 hours' notice, it will be rearranged.

8. Pick-Up & Drop-Off Policy

• If you require different pick-up or drop-off locations, a minimum of 48 hours' notice is required.

9. Booking Your Practical Driving Test

• Students must not book a DVSA test without confirming instructor availability first.
• Test date and time must be agreed with the instructor in advance.
• If booked without confirmation:
  • Vehicle availability is not guaranteed
  • AKADS accepts no responsibility

10. Responsibility for Booking Lessons

• Students are responsible for booking lessons in advance.
• Instructors are not responsible for reminding students of remaining lessons or future bookings.
• All bookings are first-come, first-served.
• Delays in booking may result in waiting times.

11. Lesson Confirmation & Payment Policy

• Lesson bookings agreed via text or message are provisional until payment is received.
• A lesson is only confirmed once payment has been made and cleared in the instructor's account.
• If payment is not received promptly, the instructor may offer the slot to another student.

12. Punctuality

• Students must be ready at the scheduled time.
• The instructor will wait up to 15 minutes.
• If running late, you must inform your instructor.
• Failure to inform may result in the lesson being charged in full.

13. Use of Photos, Videos & Testimonials

• AKADS may request permission to take photographs or videos of students for promotional purposes, including use on our website, social media, and marketing materials.
• By agreeing to be photographed or recorded, or by voluntarily sending us content (e.g., after passing your test), you confirm permission to use, reproduce, and publish this content for promotional purposes.
• Where possible, we will seek your consent before capturing or publishing any images or videos.
• You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us — material will be removed within a reasonable timeframe.
• Your participation is entirely voluntary and will not affect your lessons or services.

Practical Test – Use of Vehicle

The instructor reserves full discretion to refuse the use of the training vehicle for a practical driving test if:

• The student has not reached a safe and competent standard required for the test
• The student is not at the required DVSA test standard
• The student's driving is considered unsafe or potentially dangerous
• The student has not successfully passed a mock driving test conducted by the instructor