Last updated: 29 September 2026. These are the terms every pupil agrees to before their first lesson. They follow the DVSA Driving Instructor Code of Practice, which sets out what you can expect from us and how to raise a concern. We’ll send you a copy in writing (by WhatsApp or email) before you start.
Friendly Driving School provides manual and automatic driving lessons, motorway lessons, intensive courses, refresher lessons, test-day car hire and instructor training (PDI / ADI Part 2 & 3) across Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
2. Lesson prices & duration
A standard lesson lasts 1 hour (60 minutes) of instruction time. Our current prices are:
| Lesson |
Duration |
Price |
| Manual lessons |
1 hour |
From £35 |
| Automatic lessons |
1 hour |
From £35 |
| Motorway lessons |
2 hours |
From £70 |
| 5-day crash course |
10 hours |
From £400 |
| Test-day car hire, intensive courses & ADI training |
As agreed |
Quoted in writing before booking |
We will always confirm your exact price and lesson length in writing before your first lesson. If our prices change, we’ll tell you in advance; any lessons you’ve already paid for stay at the price you paid.
3. Bookings & payment
Lessons are subject to instructor availability. You can book by phone, WhatsApp, email, social media or through our website. A booking is confirmed once we have accepted it.
Payment is due before the lesson unless we’ve agreed something different. Lesson packages and courses are paid for in advance. We keep a record of every payment you make and the lessons it covers, and we’ll give you a copy or receipt whenever you ask.
4. Cancellation policy
- If you need to cancel or move a lesson, please give us at least 48 hours’ notice. There’s no charge when you do.
- Less than 48 hours’ notice, or not turning up, means the full lesson fee is payable, because your instructor can’t usually fill the slot at short notice.
- If we have to cancel (for example because of instructor illness, a problem with the car or unsafe weather), you won’t be charged. We’ll offer you another lesson as soon as possible, or refund that lesson if you’ve already paid and would prefer your money back.
5. Refund policy
- You can ask for a refund of any unused, prepaid lessons at any time.
- Lessons you’ve already had are charged at our standard hourly rate (rather than the discounted package rate), and the rest is refunded to you.
- We aim to pay refunds within 14 days of your request, using the same method you paid with where possible.
- Late-cancellation and missed-lesson fees (see section 4) are not refundable.
- Gift vouchers can’t be exchanged for cash.
- Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights under UK consumer law.
6. Late arrival
If you’re late, the lesson will still finish at the agreed time. If your instructor is late, the lost time will be made up in that lesson or on another day, or you won’t be charged for it.
7. Driving licence & fitness to drive
- You must hold a valid UK provisional or full driving licence. We’ll check your licence before your first lesson, and it’s your responsibility to keep it valid.
- You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres (with glasses or contact lenses if you need them).
- You must not come to a lesson under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please tell your instructor about any medication or medical condition that could affect your driving.
8. Driving tests
- Under DVSA rules, learners must book and manage their own practical driving test. Your instructor can advise you when you’re ready, but can’t book it for you.
- You can use your instructor’s car for the test by agreement. If your instructor believes you’re not yet at a safe, test-ready standard, they may decline the use of the car, for your safety and the safety of the examiner and other road users. They will explain why.
- Test-day car hire includes the car for the test and any agreed lesson just before it, and is paid in advance.
- No driving school can guarantee a pass. If we ever quote a pass rate, we’ll explain how it was calculated.
9. Your progress & lesson records
We keep an accurate record of the lessons you’ve had and the hours delivered. Your instructor will tell you clearly how you’re progressing and what training you still need before you’re ready for your test. You can ask for a copy of your lesson record at any time.
10. Our code of conduct
All our instructors follow the DVSA Driving Instructor Code of Practice. That means your instructor will:
- be honest, act with integrity and behave professionally at all times;
- be a DVSA-approved driving instructor (ADI) and display their ADI badge in the windscreen during paid lessons. If you’re ever taught by a trainee instructor, they’ll display their trainee licence and tell you they’re a trainee;
- teach to the DVSA national standards, with road safety at the centre of every lesson;
- use a dual-controlled car that is roadworthy, insured for tuition, and fitted with L plates and an extra mirror;
- never use a mobile phone while instructing, including hands-free calls;
- treat every pupil with respect, and never discriminate, use inappropriate language, or behave aggressively;
- keep professional boundaries, and take extra care to safeguard pupils under 18 and vulnerable adults. We don’t contact pupils through personal social media or for anything unrelated to lessons, and we avoid unnecessary physical contact;
- never share your photo, video, dash-cam footage or details (for example on social media or in reviews) without your written consent;
- make sure any learning materials we give you, including anything produced with AI tools, are accurate and in line with DVSA standards;
- look after any money you pay us and keep clear records of it.
11. What we ask of pupils
- Treat your instructor with respect. Aggressive, abusive, threatening or inappropriate behaviour isn’t tolerated, and your instructor may end the lesson straight away. Normal charges will apply.
- Follow your instructor’s directions. Your instructor is responsible for safety throughout the lesson, and may stop a lesson if the weather, road conditions or behaviour make it unsafe to carry on.
- Please don’t leave personal belongings in the car. We can’t accept responsibility for items left behind.
12. Your personal data
We collect only what we need to arrange and deliver your lessons: your name, contact details, pick-up address, licence details, lesson and test records, and payment records. We use it to run your lessons and never sell it. Pupils under 18 may have lessons discussed with a parent or guardian where appropriate. Our Privacy Policy gives the full details, including how long we keep your information and your rights under UK GDPR.
13. Complaints
If you’re unhappy with anything, please tell us. We want to put it right.
14. Instructor training (PDI / ADI)
We offer ADI Part 2 and Part 3 training for potential driving instructors. Prices, hours and what’s included are confirmed in writing before training starts. Training is designed to prepare you for the qualifying tests, but we can’t guarantee a pass. Trainee instructors working with us must complete the required training and supervision, and must never suggest to pupils that they’re a fully qualified ADI.
15. Website, liability & changes
The information on this website is general information. We aim to keep it accurate and up to date, but it may change without notice. All text, photographs, logos and branding on this website belong to Friendly Driving School unless stated otherwise, and may not be used without written permission.
We may update these terms from time to time. The latest version is always on this page, and we’ll let current pupils know about any change that affects them. The terms you agreed to when you booked apply to lessons you’ve already paid for.
