1. Introduction
1.1 These terms and conditions (“Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“the Client,” “you,” or “your”) and Cowan Driving School Ltd (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “the School”).
1.2 By booking lessons or courses with Cowan Driving School Ltd, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully before making any bookings.
1.3 Cowan Driving School Ltd reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. The latest version will always be available on our website.
2. Total Drive App and Communication
2.1 Clients are required to download and log into the Total Drive app, which is the official platform used by Cowan Driving School Ltd for lesson bookings, payments, tracking lesson progress, sending notifications, and providing learning resources.
2.2 All communications regarding lessons, including bookings, cancellations, and rescheduling, should be made through the Total Drive app unless otherwise agreed with your instructor.
2.3 Clients are responsible for maintaining accurate contact information within the app and regularly checking for notifications and updates.
3. Booking and Payment
3.1 All lesson bookings must be made through the Total Drive app.
3.2 Payment must be made via the app at least 3 days before your scheduled lesson to confirm your booking. Failure to make payment within this timeframe may result in cancellation of your booking.
3.3 Lesson fees are subject to change. Any changes to our pricing structure will be communicated with reasonable notice.
3.4 Block bookings or course payments are subject to the same payment terms unless otherwise specified in writing.
3.5 Gift vouchers and promotional offers are subject to their own specific terms and conditions.
4. Cancellations and Refunds
4.1 The cancellation period is 48 hours for regular weekly learner drivers. Any cancellation made with less than 48 hours’ notice for any reason will result in forfeiture of the full lesson fee.
4.2 The cancellation period is 72 hours for intensive courses and Potential Driving Instructor (PDI)/Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) training. Any cancellation made with less than 72 hours’ notice for any reason will result in forfeiture of the full fee.
4.3 Cowan Driving School Ltd reserves the right to cancel or reschedule lessons due to unforeseen circumstances, instructor illness, vehicle breakdown, or adverse weather conditions. In such cases, no cancellation fee will be charged, and the Client will be offered the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
4.4 Refunds for block bookings will be calculated on a pro-rata basis, with any lessons already taken being charged at the standard individual lesson rate.
5. Client Responsibilities
5.1 The Client must present a valid provisional driving license (or full license for advanced courses) at the first lesson and upon reasonable request thereafter.
5.2 The Client must provide their driving licence number and a valid DVLA check code before commencing lessons. These will be requested within the week before the first lesson. If the Client is unable to generate the check code beforehand, this will have to be done at the start of the first lesson and will use some of their lesson time.
5.3 The Client must be able to read a number plate at the minimum legal distance of 20 meters (or 20.5 meters for old-style number plates). Failure to meet this eyesight requirement will result in the termination of the lesson with no refund.
5.4 The Client must be fit to drive during each lesson, not under the influence of alcohol, drugs (including prescription medication that may impair driving ability), or any other substance that might affect their ability to drive safely.
5.5 The Client must wear suitable footwear and clothing for driving.
5.6 The Client must inform the instructor of any disabilities, health issues, or learning difficulties that may affect their driving ability.
5.7 The Client should arrive promptly for lessons. The instructor will wait for a maximum of 15 minutes, after which the lesson will be considered forfeited with no refund.
6. Driving Tests
6.1 It is the Client’s responsibility to book their own practical driving test, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
6.2 Before booking a driving test, the Client must check the instructor’s availability if they intend to use the instructor’s vehicle for the test. Failure to confirm availability before booking may result in the instructor being unavailable or the vehicle not being available for use.
6.3 Use of the School’s vehicle for a driving test is subject to the instructor’s approval of the Client’s readiness.
6.4 The instructor reserves the right to withdraw the use of their car for a test if they believe the Client is not ready to pass the test. In such cases, the Client will be notified with sufficient time to rearrange the test or make alternative arrangements.
6.5 The fee for test accompaniment includes the use of the vehicle and the instructor’s time for the duration of the test appointment, plus one hour of pre-test preparation.
6.6 In the event that a test cannot proceed due to insufficient documentation, vehicle issues, or Client lateness, the full test fee will be forfeited.
6.7 The Client will be liable for any damage to the vehicle at any time where they are on a driving test and therefore not supervised by their instructor.
7. PDI/ADI Training
7.1 Specific terms for Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) and Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) training are outlined in a separate agreement provided to those booking these specialized courses.
7.2 All PDI/ADI training is subject to the 72-hour cancellation policy as stated in section 4.2.
7.3 DVSA examination fees are not included in our training packages unless explicitly stated.
8. Intensive Courses
8.1 A deposit of £250 will be required at the time of booking an intensive course, and the balance will be due once a test is confirmed. If the Client already has a test scheduled, the full fee will be due at the time of booking.
8.2 The 72-hour cancellation policy applies to all intensive courses as stated in section 4.2.
8.3 Intensive courses cannot be guaranteed to result in test readiness or a pass. The course is a concentrated learning experience, and outcomes depend on individual aptitude and application.
9. Insurance and Liability
9.1 Cowan Driving School Ltd maintains professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
9.2 All training vehicles are fully insured for driving instruction purposes.
9.3 The Client will be liable for any damage caused to the vehicle or third parties as a result of their negligence or failure to follow the instructor’s directions.
9.4 Cowan Driving School Ltd accepts no liability for personal belongings left in training vehicles.
10. Data Protection
10.1 Cowan Driving School Ltd complies with all relevant data protection legislation including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
10.2 Client information will be used solely for the purpose of providing driving instruction and related administrative functions.
10.3 By agreeing to these Terms, you consent to the School holding and processing your personal data for the purposes of your driving instruction.
10.4 Full details of our data protection policy are available upon request.
11. Complaints Procedure
11.1 Any complaints should be directed to Cowan Driving School Ltd in writing within 7 days of the incident.
11.2 All complaints will be investigated thoroughly and responded to within 14 days.
11.3 If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, and the complaint relates to a breach of the DVSA Code of Practice, the Client may refer the matter to the DVSA.
12. Governing Law
12.1 These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom.
12.2 Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United Kingdom.
13. Contact Information
13.1 Cowan Driving School Ltd may be contacted at:
- Phone: 0330 043 6833
- Email: Info@cowandrivingschool.co.uk
13.2 Our registered business address is: 9 Howards Way Northampton NN3 6RL
Last updated: 7 March 2025