What can I do about my driving instructor?

Question

I've had 5 hrs lessons with my instructor & had a further 2 hrs lessons booked, the lesson was for 8 pm in the evening and I called at 11 am to cancel the booking- I did tell him that I know it's short notice but would be glad if this could be rescheduled- he was meant to call me to confirm it and he did not call, neither did he show up. days later I get a letter that I had to pay the full fee unless I'll be taken to court.

is he allowed to get a CCJ order on me based on the circumstances above?

Answer 1

i would contact the c.a.b and ask them. good luck.

Answer 2

Wow!

I'd ring the school and explain the situation first, before it gets out of hand. You advised that you couldn't make it and wanted to rearrange, it wasn't as if YOU just didn't turn up, it was him who did not respond.

Fight your corner. it would cost them more than the cost of 2 lessons to get a CCJ, so i doubt it.

Answer 3

tell him  to to take walk off a cliff

Answer 4

For one thing, even a small claims court will laugh him out the building for trying to sue you for what, £25?

For another; I'd politely suggest that as you wanted to reschedule and not cancel your lesson, it might be in his business interest to let this matter drop, since most driving instructors live or perish by their reputation in the area. (If he's the only instructor in the area, obviously this won't work)

He does sound like a bit of an @sshole though, and I certainly wouldn't go back to him. If he gets really stroppy about it, I'd just pay up, then report him to the Registrar of ADIs for touching you up, that'll sort him out!

Answer 5

sounds like a d**k. take him up on his offer, bet you don't end up going anywhere near a court.

Answer 6

It`s only right that you should pay after all you did book 5hrs, he will have lost half a days work , sorry

Answer 7

I really dont think that he will, he is just blowing smoke, let him cool down and go and talk with him.

Answer 8

Does the driving school have a cancellation policy IN WRITING? (the operative word "in writing"). If they do, read it carefully. If it had a 24 hr cancellation policy, they may be able to hold you to that. If they don't have it in writing they really don't have a leg to stand on, legally. You informed them you needed to cancel, and by virtue of the fact the instructor didn't show up proves he got the message. If you are concerned, go to a lawyer and have them draw up a response letter indicating that the driving school does not have a written cancellation policy. Generally, people getting letters from lawyers usually straightens them out.

Answer 9

take him up on his offer of legal action, tell him you would love to take it to the courts and also tell him that the local newspaper will be glad to hear the story, also tell him that you will not be taking any further instruction with him, trust me he does not have a leg to stand on and any self respecting solicitor will kick him out of their office, the man is clearly a worm. I was a driving instructor for 18 years and this type of person always gets my back up. Take care and good luck.

Answer 10

No he's not! contest it on the grounds he is being unreasonable. You cancelled and unless you've had a terms and conditions given to you in writing he has no case. Sounds like a pathetic man to me. Basically write him a nice letter an keep a copy for yourself telling him of the facts and that you're not prepared to pay for lessons you haven't had.

If you need any help with your reply letter contact me

Answer 11

Book another lesson in a false name and get him to turn up down a secluded cul-de-sac, then you and a couple of mates with scream masks on jump him and give a right good pasting.

For good measure i would also let his tyres down and stick a spud up his exhaust.

Answer 12

will cost him too much to take you to a small claims court.switch to another firm and tell him to take a long drive of a short cliff

Answer 13

you do normanly have to give 24hrs notice to cancel so he is in his right to claim monies owed.