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Terms of Service

Last Updated: 20/08/2023

Please read these terms carefully before booking or attending any driving lessons.

1. Definitions
  • "You", "student", "learner": Any client (including full license holders).
  • "We", "us", "instructor": Conor O'Driscoll, Approved Driving Instructor (ADI #40379).
2. Health & Safety
  • All students must comply with our Health & Safety Policy (considered part of these terms).
  • Do not attend lessons if you have any symptoms of a contagious illness (including the common cold).
3. Instructor Commitments
  • The instructor is registered as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) with the Road Safety Authority. This can be verified on the RSA website.
  • The instructor will always act professionally, courteously, and provide a dual-controlled, insured car.
  • Students may use their own car for lessons if agreed in advance and if the car is properly insured (note: some insurance policies may not cover lessons with a driving instructor outside of a specified driving school). Students are responsible for ensuring appropriate insurance is in place.
4. Student Responsibilities
  • Students must hold a valid learner permit and carry it for every lesson, as required by law. They must also comply with any license restrictions, such as wearing corrective lenses if required.
  • Before the lesson, students should inform the instructor if they are taking any medication or have any condition that could affect their ability to drive safely. There is no need to disclose specific details - only whether/how it impacts driving ability.
  • If unsure how a medication or condition may affect their driving, students should seek advice from a medical professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist). It may also be helpful to specifically mention that you are learning to drive.
  • Students should ensure they are in a condition to drive legally and safely for every lesson. This includes not only compliance with medication or medical restrictions, but also being free from the effects of alcohol, drugs, excessive tiredness, or distraction. Fatigue and lack of focus can significantly impair driving ability, so students should consider these factors before attending a lesson.
5. Substitution and Instructor Discretion
  • We reserve the right to substitute another Approved Driving Instructor and/or a different vehicle for lessons, or to rearrange any lessons to a mutually convenient time where necessary.
  • Students must follow all reasonable instructions given by the instructor during their lessons.
  • The Instructor may refuse to continue providing driving lessons to a student if they are not satisfied with a pupil’s conduct or commitment throughout the lessons.
  • The instructor may require use of the school car for safety reasons, particularly if dual controls are necessary or if unfamiliar with the student's driving standard (e.g., for your first lesson, even if you’ve used your own car with another instructor).
  • The instructor may refuse or stop a lesson if the student’s car is not roadworthy or legal (e.g., worn tyres, expired tax/NCT, faulty brakes). This applies to any dangerous or illegal issue identified before or during the lesson.
  • The instructor may refuse or end a lesson if the student is unfit or unsafe to drive (e.g., appearing under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or displaying abusive or threatening behaviour).
  • The instructor may cancel or terminate a lesson at any time on road safety grounds.
  • Students may be refused use of the school car if they are wearing visibly dirty clothes/work boots/etc. If the student does not have their own car to use (which satisfies all other terms outlined here), or the instructor feels the lesson needs to be carried out in the school car, then the lesson will be postponed to a mutually convenient time.
6. Booking and Communications
  • Lessons can be booked at any time using our online booking form. This is the preferred method of booking and we ask all students to use it where at all possible.
  • We aim to respond to calls, texts, and emails as soon as possible, but cannot do so during lessons for safety reasons. We observe the right to disconnect and maintain a clear separation between work and personal time, so messages may not be checked or answered outside normal working hours, on days off (which may fall on weekdays or weekends), or during holidays. The phone may not be carried or monitored during these times. While the instructor may occasionally reply during evenings or time off, this should not be expected. Students should plan ahead when booking lessons or tests, and understand that prompt contact may not be possible on short notice or during non-working periods.
7. Test, License & Theory Applications
  • All queries regarding driving test applications should be directed to the RSA; the instructor has no involvement in, or access to, any individual applications.
  • Questions about licenses, learner permits, or reduced EDT eligibility should be addressed to the NDLS, and queries about theory tests to the theory test service.
  • The instructor does not make or manage applications or contact the RSA, NDLS, or theory test service on behalf of students.
  • If a student wishes to make a complaint about a driving test or theory test, the instructor will only direct them to the relevant service or organisation.
8. Lesson Structure and Payment
  • Lesson times include discussion, such as an overview at the start, a recap at the end, and any stops needed during the lesson to address topics or faults.
  • Payment is accepted by cash or card (via card reader at the lesson). A SumUp invoice can also be issued for online payment, which must be completed before the lesson unless otherwise agreed.
  • Payment is taken per lesson. Prices may change at any time; current rates are listed on our prices page.
9. Lesson Availability and Booking
  • Operating hours vary and available lesson times are published on the website for booking. Specific times, including evenings and weekends, are not guaranteed.
  • The instructor will advise when to apply for the driving test, but test applications are made directly to the RSA by the student. The instructor has no involvement or access to information regarding a student’s application; any queries should be directed to the RSA.
  • Students wishing to use the school car or have the instructor accompany them for their driving test should inform the instructor as soon as possible after receiving their test date. This does not guarantee the car or instructor will be available, but we will inform students if alternative arrangements are needed. As with lessons, we do not guarantee responses outside working hours or during time off.
10. Test Accompaniment, Car Use & Priority
  • Lessons cover a wide range of road and traffic conditions and all manoeuvres required for the driving test, but do not specifically focus on test routes. This aligns with the ADI code of conduct and RSA guidance, which note that over-familiarity with test routes can harm performance. Mock tests are similar in length and difficulty to official tests but do not specifically follow test routes.
  • All bookings for lessons, tests, and car rentals are generally given equal priority. In some cases, we may ask a student to reschedule to accommodate a test or urgent lesson, but this is not the norm and will usually be done in cases where there is a significant reason. We will never require a student to cancel or postpone against their wishes. Such requests are also typically not made on short notice, if a student has recently been rescheduled, or if alternative times are available.
  • We make reasonable efforts to facilitate use of the school car for tests, but availability cannot be guaranteed (e.g., due to repairs, holidays, or other commitments).
  • Students applying for cancellation/short-notice tests should be aware that the school car or instructor may not be available at short notice. We advise only applying for these if fully prepared and with alternative arrangements in place.
  • Students renting the car for their test should note that the school car may change at any time (due to breakdown, replacement, etc.), or another ADI may substitute with their own car if needed.
  • The instructor may refuse use of the school car for a test if the student has not demonstrated safe driving, missed lessons or practice, or if their skills have declined due to lack of recent practice.
  • After a driving test, if the instructor has accompanied the student in the school car, the instructor will generally drive back to the original location, as students are often tired or distracted after the test.
11. EDT Lessons
  • Consistent practice (at least 3 hours) with a sponsor between each EDT lesson is essential. While extra lessons can help, we strongly recommend students arrange insurance to practise between lessons with a suitable accompanying driver. EDT lessons will not proceed unless the student has the necessary skills and knowledge for that stage, so early and ongoing practice is important.
  • Students must leave adequate time between EDT lessons for practice and reflection. The RSA recommends one lesson every two weeks; if sufficient practice is achieved, slightly shorter intervals may be considered, but generally no more than one lesson per week is advised. The instructor may require longer spacing or additional practice if needed. We reserve the right to change or cancel online bookings if lessons are requested too close together. Absence of an online booking error does not guarantee requests are appropriately spaced; all bookings are reviewed manually before approval.
12. Meeting Points & Changing Details
  • The default meeting and finishing point for lessons is the Woodies car park, unless otherwise agreed in advance. If the instructor needs to drive elsewhere for safety, this will count as part of the lesson time.
  • If a student cannot meet at Woodies due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. parent unavailable), they should notify the instructor as soon as possible. Alternate meeting points within Carlow Town may be accommodated where possible, but cannot be guaranteed—especially if other lessons are scheduled before/after at Woodies.
  • Lesson bookings are confirmed based on agreed details (time, meeting point, lesson type). If a student wishes to change any details, as much notice as possible is requested, but changes may not always be possible and may require a new booking.
13. Law & Insurance
  • Students should be aware of learner permit laws, including displaying "L" plates and always being accompanied when practising outside of lessons. These rules remain in effect until the full licence is received, at which point "N" plates must be displayed and solo driving is permitted. Students should notify their insurance provider promptly after obtaining a full licence.
  • All practice recommended by the instructor must be done in full compliance with laws and regulations, including having appropriate insurance.
14. Conduct, Safety & Reporting
  • Abusive or threatening behaviour - whether physical or verbal - towards the instructor will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Any such behaviour will be reported to the Gardaí if deemed actionable.
  • This policy applies regardless of the situation, including after a test failure or refusal of use of the school car for the test. While frustration is understood, abusive conduct is never acceptable.
  • While we understand that test failures or disappointments can be frustrating and are open to students expressing their feelings, if any remark or comment made in our presence leads us to believe there is a genuine threat to a driving tester or any other person, we consider it our ethical responsibility to report this to the Gardaí and/or inform the tester and RSA management as appropriate. We recognise the difference between harmless venting and behaviour that constitutes a real threat or abuse.
  • Students are reminded that while they may wish to make a complaint to the RSA following a failed test, threats or abusive language toward any staff or examiner will not be tolerated by the RSA either, and will be reported.
  • If, during the course of a lesson or other communication, we become aware of illegal activity - including, but not limited to, road safety offences such as drink driving or uninsured driving - we may report this to the Gardaí as appropriate, in line with our duty to promote road safety and comply with the law.
15. Cancellations, Emergencies & Force Majeure
  • We reserve the right to cancel/terminate/postpone/reschedule appointments at any time due to adverse weather or road conditions, mechanical breakdown, illness, medical treatment or other circumstances that may arise. The instructor cannot be held liable for costs incurred as a result of this.
16. Changes to Terms
  • We reserve the right to update these terms at any time by posting the updated terms on this webpage, without prior/separate notification to you. You should check these terms each time you access the website to book driving lessons or before taking your driving lessons/test.