Terms and Conditions

Last updated: January 2025

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using the IMS Driving School website (https://imsdrivingschool.co.uk) and booking our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

2. About IMS Driving School

IMS Driving School is a professional driving instruction service operating in Manchester and surrounding areas. We are registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and fully insured for driving instruction.

3. Services Provided

3.1 Driving Lessons

Manual and automatic driving lessons
Intensive driving courses
Pass Plus courses
Refresher lessons for qualified drivers
Theory test support and guidance

3.2 Service Standards

All instructors are DVSA Approved Driving Instructors (ADI)
Lessons are conducted in dual-controlled, fully insured vehicles
All vehicles meet current safety and environmental standards

4. Eligibility and Requirements

4.1 Student Requirements

Must be aged 16 or over (17 for car lessons on public roads)
Must hold a valid provisional driving licence
Must be medically fit to drive (as per DVLA requirements)
Must inform us of any medical conditions that may affect driving ability

Students under 18 require parental/guardian consent for lessons and may need an adult present during initial consultation.

5. Booking and Scheduling

5.1 Lesson Booking

Lessons are subject to instructor availability
We aim to accommodate preferred times but cannot guarantee specific slots
Bookings can be made online, by phone, or email
A deposit may be required for block bookings

5.2 Lesson Confirmation

All lessons must be confirmed 24 hours in advance
Students are responsible for confirming lesson times and meeting points
Changes to confirmed lessons require 48 hours notice

6. Payment Terms

6.1 Payment Methods

Cash, bank transfer, or card payments accepted
Online payments processed through secure payment providers
Block bookings may qualify for discounts

6.2 Payment Schedule

Single lessons: Payment due before or at the start of the lesson
Block bookings: Payment required in advance
Intensive courses: 50% deposit required, balance due before course start

6.3 Refunds

Unused lessons from block bookings are refundable with 7 days notice
Deposits are non-refundable within 48 hours of course commencement
Refunds processed within 14 working days

7. Cancellation Policy

7.1 Student Cancellations

24+ hours notice: No charge, lesson can be rescheduled
12-24 hours notice: 50% lesson fee charged
Less than 12 hours or no-show: Full lesson fee charged
Emergency cancellations: May be waived at instructor discretion

7.2 Instructor Cancellations

We will provide as much notice as possible
Alternative instructor or rescheduling will be offered
No charges apply for instructor-initiated cancellations
Compensation may be provided for short-notice cancellations

7.3 Weather Conditions

Lessons may be cancelled for safety reasons in severe weather
No charges apply for weather-related cancellations
Alternative arrangements will be made when conditions improve

8. Student Responsibilities

8.1 During Lessons

Arrive punctually at the agreed meeting point
Bring provisional licence and any required glasses/contacts
Follow instructor guidance and DVSA code of conduct
Inform instructor of any changes to medical condition
Maintain respectful behaviour towards instructor and other road users

8.2 Safety Requirements

Must not attend lessons under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Must not use mobile phones while driving (except hands-free when qualified)
Must wear appropriate footwear and clothing
Must follow all UK driving laws and highway code

9. Instructor Rights and Standards

9.1 Professional Standards

All instructors maintain DVSA registration and training
Instructors have the right to refuse lessons for safety reasons
Professional conduct expected from both parties

9.2 Instructor Authority

Instructors may end lessons early for safety or behavioural reasons
No refund applies if lesson terminated due to student misconduct
Instructors' decisions on lesson content and progression are final

10. Insurance and Liability

10.1 Our Insurance

Comprehensive motor insurance covers all lessons
Public liability insurance protects both parties
Insurance details available on request

10.2 Student Liability

Students are liable for any damage caused by negligent driving
Damage costs will be charged based on insurance excess and repair costs
Students should ensure personal insurance covers learner driver incidents

10.3 Limitation of Liability

Our liability is limited to the cost of lessons provided
We are not liable for test failures or licence application issues
Force majeure events (strikes, emergencies) may affect service availability

11. Driving Test Arrangements

11.1 Test Bookings

Students are responsible for booking their own driving tests
We can provide guidance on test booking procedures
Test dates should be discussed with your instructor

11.2 Test Day Services

Car hire for test day available (additional charges apply)
Instructor accompaniment to test centre (when available)
Pre-test lesson strongly recommended

11.3 Test Results

Test success does not guarantee certificate of competence
Further lessons may be recommended post-test
We cannot be held responsible for test outcomes

12. Data Protection and Privacy

12.1 Information Handling

Personal data processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy
Student progress records maintained for insurance and regulatory purposes
Data retention periods outlined in Privacy Policy

12.2 Photography and Marketing

Lesson photos may be taken for progress monitoring (with consent)
Success stories may be used for marketing (with explicit permission)
Students can opt out of marketing communications at any time

13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

13.1 Complaint Procedure

Complaints should be made in writing within 7 days of the incident
We aim to resolve complaints within 14 working days
Escalation to DVSA available for unresolved issues

13.2 Mediation

Disputes may be referred to independent mediation
Legal action should be a last resort
UK law governs all agreements and disputes

14. Website Terms

14.1 Website Use

Website content is for informational purposes only
Prices and availability subject to change without notice
We reserve the right to modify website content

14.2 Intellectual Property

All website content is copyright IMS Driving School
Unauthorised reproduction or distribution prohibited
Trademarks and logos are protected property

15. General Provisions

15.1 Severability

If any provision is found invalid, remaining terms continue in force
Invalid provisions will be replaced with similar valid terms

15.2 Force Majeure

Performance may be suspended due to circumstances beyond our control
This includes pandemic restrictions, government orders, or natural disasters

15.3 Governing Law

These terms are governed by English and Welsh law
UK courts have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes

16. Updates to Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised date. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

17. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms and Conditions:

IMS Driving School
Email: info@imsdrivingschool.co.uk
Phone: 0161 123 4567
Address: Manchester, United Kingdom

For complaints: complaints@imsdrivingschool.co.uk
DVSA Registration: Registration Number
Insurance Provider: Insurance Company Name