Thomas Driving School – Terms & Conditions 2024
Cancellation and Change Policy
Time and resources are valuable commodities; therefore, 24 hours prior notice is required for the cancellation or change of date/time of a pre-booked lesson. Failure to provide prior notice may result in the forfeiture of the lesson fee. Thomas Driving School enforces this policy to ensure that the instructor’s time is respected and that the school can fill the time slot with another student, preventing lost income.
Refunds will not be given for lessons cancelled at the last minute or for no-shows. Students must arrive on time for each lesson and are expected to respect the instructor’s time and efforts.
Booking Errors and Cancellations
If a student books a lesson on the wrong date, immediately requests a refund, or cancels multiple lessons, Thomas Driving School may issue a refund after deducting the fee charged by Stripe or any other payment processing service used. This deduction covers the non-refundable transaction fee incurred by the school.
Code of Conduct
Students are expected to adhere to a code of conduct during lessons, which includes the following:
- Punctuality: Students must arrive on time for each lesson.
- Respect: Students are expected to respect the instructor and follow their instructions.
- Adherence to Traffic Laws: Students must follow all traffic laws and signs.
- Responsible Driving Practices: Students must demonstrate safe and responsible driving practices at all times.
Lesson Requirements
To take lessons with Thomas Driving School, students must meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid New Zealand driver’s license.
- Be a minimum of 16 years of age.
Thomas Driving School reserves the right to refuse to teach students who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In such cases, any lesson fees chargeable will not be waived.
The student will be liable for any costs arising from any traffic or speed camera infringements resulting from failing to follow instructions from the instructor.
Vehicle Provision and Use
For instruction, Thomas Driving School will provide the student with an automatic transmission car fitted with dual foot controls that meets current Warrant of Fitness and New Zealand Transport Agency requirements. The car will be insured for students under instruction.
If the student wishes to be taught in their own or family car, it must meet Warrant of Fitness and registration requirements and have appropriate insurance cover. If the student is not the registered owner, then written permission must be obtained from the registered owner and given to the instructor before the lesson commences. Note: Thomas Driving School Ltd or the Thomas Driving School instructor in the student’s vehicle will not be liable for any damage, costs, excess insurance fees, or fines resulting from any accident or traffic offence that might occur during the period of instruction whilst the student is driving the vehicle.
Instructor Credentials
The instructor will be registered with the New Zealand Transport Agency and will have a driving instructor endorsement (I) on their driving license for the vehicle class being taught. Students are welcome to inspect the instructor’s driving license prior to taking lessons.
Privacy Requirements
For auditing purposes, the New Zealand Transport Agency requires that student records be held on file for 12 months after instruction was provided. All student information held by Thomas Driving School remains confidential and will not be disclosed to unauthorized parties.
Minor Students
If the student is less than 18 years of age, these Terms and Conditions will be between the parent/caregiver of the student and Thomas Driving School, and the student will additionally be required to agree to these Terms and Conditions.
Termination of Agreement
Either party may terminate this agreement with written notice if the other party breaches the terms and conditions of this agreement. Thomas Driving School may terminate the agreement if the student repeatedly fails to show up for lessons or demonstrates unsafe driving practices. The student may terminate the agreement if they are dissatisfied with the quality of instruction.
By signing up for lessons with Thomas Driving School, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions.