Terms & Conditions
By reading these terms and conditions you the course “booker” or course “receiver” abide by these terms and conditions. You understand by booking a driving course with LPOD Academy you acknowledge and abide by all the terms and conditions set out. Please use our table of contents below for easy viewing.
By booking an intensive driving course with LPOD Academy you understand you are entering into 2 contracts. One with LPOD Academy to arrange an intensive driving course with a nominated driving instructor, for yourself or for a nominated candidate to undertake the driving course if the party who purchased the course isn’t the one who is benefiting. And the 2nd contractual agreement is between you (or the person, benefiting and conducting the course) and your nominated instructor to deliver the quoted amount of hours your course was originally booked for.
⚠️ CRITICAL: TWO BINDING CONTRACTS
By booking a course, you enter into TWO separate, legally binding contracts:
Both contracts are equally binding and enforceable against you.
Due to data protection and GDPR. LPOD Academy can only discuss matters directly with the course candidate directly, unless it has been stated that the course booker has agreed to communicate on behalf of the course booker. If issues arise with driving instructors LPOD Academy can only communicate with the course recipient / the course receiver. Not the person who booked the course on behalf of the recipient, unless stated otherwise.
| YOU MUST (Learner Obligations) | WE MUST (LPOD Obligations) |
| ✓ Pay deposit immediately (non-refundable) ✓ Pay course balance 7 days before start ✓ Provide accurate booking information ✓ Disclose all health conditions upfront ✓ Arrive 15 minutes early for lessons ✓ Attend tests on time (bring provisional licence) ✓ Treat instructor with respect at all times ✓ Never drive under influence ✓ Confirm lesson schedule promptly ✓ Sign daily record of hours with instructor | ✓ Allocate instructor within 2 weeks ✓ Arrange and book tests ✓ Respond to emails within 24 hours ✓ Act as intermediary if disputes arise ✓ Maintain instructor quality standards ✓ Reschedule missed lessons where possible ✓ Handle complaints within 2 weeks ✓ Provide professional service ✓ Ensure instructors are DVSA regulated ✓ Support payment recovery if instructor unavailable |
An ‘intensive driving course’ is a condensed, accelerated learning program designed to be completed in a shorter timeframe than traditional weekly lessons. Courses typically span 1-8 weeks depending on your:
The exact duration is not fixed and will be tailored to your needs. You acknowledge this flexibility when booking.
LPOD Academy is a booking agency. We:
We are NOT responsible for the day-to-day delivery of training—that is directly between you and your instructor.
Upon payment of the booking deposit and confirmation of the match between you and the driving instructor, the booking is deemed final. At this point, the deposit becomes non-refundable. Any changes to instructor, location, or transmission type require a new booking and deposit.
We aim to allocate an instructor within 14 days of your booking. If we cannot allocate an instructor within this timeframe, we will:
The start date you select is provisional only—it is NOT guaranteed. Your course is only confirmed once:
Important: Do not arrange time off work or book accommodation until you have a confirmed start date from your instructor.
Once you pay the booking deposit, it is FINAL and non-refundable. This applies even if:
The only exception is if we cannot allocate an instructor after exhausting all options.
ALL CHANGES MUST BE MADE IN WRITING VIA EMAIL.
We do not accept booking changes via phone, text, social media, or in-person. Email customercare@lpodacademy.co.uk with your booking reference, what you want to change, and why. We will respond within 24 hours during business days.
Upon payment of the deposit, your course will be active for:
Any training hours that remain unused after this period are not eligible for a refund. Test booking services will also conclude once the course is marked as complete.
LPOD Academy shall not be held responsible for unforeseen changes or external circumstances that may arise before, during, or after a booking has been confirmed. In the event of force majeure: such as natural disasters, wars, acts of terrorism, epidemics, pandemics, governmental actions, or any other situations beyond our reasonable control, neither LPOD Academy nor the instructors shall be liable for delays, changes, or cancellations resulting from such events.
You may request a refund of your deposit within 14 days of booking, but ONLY if no instructor has been allocated yet. After 14 days, the deposit is non-refundable. To request this refund, email customercare@lpodacademy.co.uk immediately.
Once an instructor is allocated and lesson dates are confirmed, your deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel:
You must notify your instructor directly of any cancellation.
A refund of your deposit MAY be considered only if one of the following apply:
Submit documents via email to customercare@lpodacademy.co.uk. Refunds are at our discretion and:
Changes in personal circumstances are NOT valid reasons for cancellation or refund. This includes:
The course fee remains payable. Speak to your instructor about rescheduling instead.
A request to change your start date is treated as a cancellation. Rescheduling is at your instructor’s discretion. If they cannot accommodate a new date, standard cancellation terms apply, and you’ll need to book a new course with a new deposit.
We reserve the right to cancel if you:
In these cases, all fees are non-refundable and any outstanding balance remains due.
Any refund (whether partial or full) incurs a £350 administration charge. If tests have been booked, additional charges apply:
Your course consists of two payments:
We accept payment via:
Payments can be made:
The first 10 hours of any course must be paid before your course starts. After these 10 hours are complete, you may prepay additional hours at your instructor’s discretion.
All remaining course fees must be received at least 7 days before your course start date.
If payment is not received by this deadline:
Your instructor may agree in writing to waive this deadline. If so, you must contact them directly.
If the learner is under 18, the course booker (parent/guardian) must pay the full remaining balance 28 days before the course starts. If not paid by this date, the course will be cancelled and the deposit will not be refunded.
If the course balance is not received by the deadline:
Any cash payments made directly to your instructor are a private transaction between you and the instructor. LPOD Academy is not responsible for these payments. Always request and keep a receipt. If you don’t receive a receipt within 48 hours of your lesson, notify us immediately.
Phone: 0330 223 2127 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm)
Email (General): customercare@lpodacademy.co.uk
Email (Complaints): customercare@lpodacademy.co.uk
We aim to respond to all emails within 24 hours during business hours (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm). Emergency issues should be discussed with your instructor directly.
Your course is valid for a specific period starting from the date you paid your deposit:
By the end of your validity period, you must have:
Once your validity period ends, your course is complete. This means:
If your course expires before you complete all hours or pass your test, you can extend your validity period by paying a one-time continuation fee of £350. This must be requested BEFORE your validity period expires. The extension will be for the same duration as your original course validity.
YOU MUST disclose any medical or health conditions at the time of booking. Failure to disclose means we cannot be held responsible for any issues that arise.
Conditions that must be disclosed include (but are not limited to):
You are responsible for declaring any medication you take. Some medications may impair your driving ability. If your instructor doubts your fitness to drive due to medication, the course will be cancelled and all fees remain due.
PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY
Intensive driving courses are demanding and fast-paced. They are NOT suitable for everyone.
By nature, intensive courses require:
If you have any of the following conditions, SERIOUSLY consider whether an intensive course is right for you:
Important Note About Instructors:
Our instructors are qualified driving instructors, NOT mental health professionals or learning specialists. They are not trained to teach students with special educational needs or medical conditions. If your condition requires specialist support, an intensive course is not appropriate for you.
What Happens If You Experience Difficulties During the Course:
If you experience panic attacks, severe anxiety, erratic driving, or other difficulties during the course:
By booking an intensive course, you confirm that you have honestly assessed whether it suits your needs and that you accept full financial responsibility if the course proves unsuitable.
You must be able to read a number plate from the required distance:
If you cannot meet this standard at the start of your course, the course is still chargeable and will be cancelled.
Your instructor may immediately cancel the course if they believe you are not medically or physically fit to drive. This may be temporary (for the day) or long-term. All fees remain due. Your instructor has a duty of care to you and other road users.
If you are pregnant, you must disclose this at booking. If you choose to proceed with an intensive course and find it too tiring or experience pregnancy-related issues:
If you suffer a broken limb or similar injury, notify us immediately. If you are physically unable to drive, your instructor will discontinue the course. If you need to cancel due to serious injury:
If you have a sleep disorder, you must disclose this. If your instructor believes you are unsafe to drive on the day of the lesson due to tiredness, the lesson will be cancelled. Whether this counts as a forfeited hour is at the instructor’s discretion.
If you are dependent on alcohol or drugs, you must disclose this at booking. LPOD Academy reserves the right to cancel your course at any time. If your instructor believes you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances, the course will be terminated with immediate effect and all fees remain due.
If you’ve paid for a theory test as part of your course, LPOD Academy will book it for you at your local test centre. We aim to book your test approximately 3 weeks after your booking date. We cannot guarantee a specific date—it depends on availability.
If you have arranged and paid for your own theory test independently, you do not qualify for a free retest. The theory test must be passed before your course validity period ends.
Failing your theory test does not entitle you to a refund. You must rebook and pass before your course validity expires. If you have a free retest included, you can use it. Otherwise, retest costs apply.
As soon as you pass your theory test, email us immediately with your pass certificate number and date. This allows us to progress with your practical test booking.
You can book your practical test after passing your theory test. Once you do, we will book it at your nearest test centre for the earliest available date.
We cannot guarantee a specific test date. Availability depends on DVSA capacity and your instructor’s schedule.
Standard test bookings typically take 8-20 weeks to source. Fast-track options (where available) may reduce this to 1-6 weeks. These are estimates only and depend on DVSA availability.
Your instructor reserves the right to refuse to take you to the test if they believe you are not ready or meeting the required standard.
No instructor is obliged to present you for a test if they judge you unprepared. In this case:
If the DVSA cancels your test (due to weather, examiner illness, strikes, or vehicle issues), they will reschedule it. You will be notified of the new date. You may accept or decline it.
If the cancellation was due to the instructor’s vehicle breaking down within 48 hours of the test, the instructor will cover the rebooking cost.
If you change your test appointment without consulting your instructor or LPOD Academy, you waive your right to our support.
In this case:
You must have a valid provisional driving licence before your course starts. If you don’t receive it in time, we may need to cancel your course.
Some packages include a free retest. Your booking confirmation will state whether you’re eligible. This covers one free test fee (theory or practical, depending on your package).
You will not receive a free retest if you:
If you don’t qualify for a free retest or need additional tests, fees are:
Request your retest in writing within 7 days of failing. Email customercare@lpodacademy.co.uk with your failed test certificate. We’ll rebook for the earliest available date.
All booking details must be accurate and complete. Providing false or incomplete information may result in immediate course cancellation, and the full fee will be charged.
On your first lesson, you must present a signed provisional driving licence. Your instructor must be able to view it in person or via an online permission link. A photo or image is not acceptable. Without this, the course will be cancelled with immediate effect and will still be chargeable.
You must arrive at the agreed pick-up location 10-15 minutes before your lesson starts. Your instructor will wait a maximum of 15 minutes at the meeting point.
If you don’t arrive within 15 minutes:
If this happens more than once, your instructor reserves the right to terminate the course.
Once your instructor proposes lesson dates, you must confirm them promptly. Once you accept the schedule and attend lessons, you cannot later claim dissatisfaction with the timing.
Attend both theory and practical tests on time. You must bring both parts of your valid provisional licence to the test centre. If you fail to attend, you lose the test fee with no refund.
At no point during the course should you be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medication.
If your instructor suspects or detects impairment:
You must maintain professional conduct at all times. Any abusive behaviour, threats, or disrespect will result in immediate course termination and forfeiture of all fees.
All our instructors are self-employed professionals governed by DVSA standards. They are either ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) or PDI (Provisional Driving Instructor). We vet them for reliability and professionalism.
We do not guarantee specific instructor preferences (gender, personality, car type, etc.). No refund will be issued due to compatibility. Compatibility issues must be mutually agreed if you wish to change instructors.
Your instructor’s vehicle is fully insured for learner drivers and well-maintained. You can request proof of insurance at any time.
Occasionally, instructors may arrive late due to traffic, previous lessons running over, or unforeseen issues. They will make every effort to reschedule missed time. Instructors may not respond immediately to messages—they’re often teaching. We ask for your patience.
Both you and your instructor must complete and sign a “Record of Course Hours” form at the end of each day.
This form documents:
Keep your copy for your records. Any disputes about hours must reference this form.
If there is a dispute about hours completed, this must be resolved directly between you and your instructor using the signed Record of Course Hours form. LPOD Academy cannot intervene in disputes about hours without this documentation.
Report any issues within 48 hours of the incident.
Try to resolve the issue directly with your instructor first. If that doesn’t work, email complaints@lpodacademy.co.uk with:
All complaints must be submitted in writing. We will respond within 48 hours.
We will:
If you believe your instructor has acted unprofessionally, discriminated against you, or engaged in misconduct, you can report them to the DVSA, the regulatory body for driving instructors.
Once your course is complete, we cannot address complaints about course delivery unless you reported them during the course in writing.
LPOD Academy may, at its sole discretion, reallocate a learner to a different driving instructor where concerns arise regarding compatibility, communication, conduct, safety, learner progress, availability, or other reasonable concerns raised by either party.
Learners may request a maximum of three instructor reallocations during the validity period of their course. Any further requests may be declined, subject to an additional administration fee, or treated as a new booking requiring a further deposit.
LPOD Academy reserves the right to determine whether a reallocation request is reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.
Whilst LPOD Academy will use reasonable efforts to accommodate learner preferences, we do not guarantee that a replacement instructor will be available within a requested timeframe, location, or transmission type.
LPOD Academy operates a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for abuse.
We will not tolerate:
This applies to all interactions with LPOD staff, instructors, and other users.
Consequences of Abuse:
This policy applies to you, your family, friends, and anyone associated with your booking.
Force majeure refers to extraordinary, unforeseen events beyond the control of either LPOD Academy or your instructor.
These include (but are not limited to):
Neither LPOD Academy nor your instructor is liable for delays or cancellations caused by force majeure. In such events:
In force majeure situations, you cannot claim:
LPOD Academy may update these terms at any time. Changes apply to existing and future bookings. Check back regularly for updates.
Lessons are normally scheduled during standard working hours. If you request lessons outside these hours (evenings, weekends), your instructor may charge an additional surcharge.
Home pick-up is not guaranteed. If you live more than 7 miles from a major town centre or test centre, alternative pick-up arrangements will be offered. Additional costs may apply for home pick-up in remote areas.
If you need a different pick-up point requiring additional travel time, this time may be deducted from your total course hours with the instructor’s agreement.
By law, LPOD Academy can only discuss your course with you directly, unless you’ve authorized someone else to communicate on your behalf. All information is protected under GDPR. For details, see our Privacy Policy.
These terms are governed by English, Scottish, and Welsh law.
Promotional and discount codes may be made available from time to time. These are subject to specific terms and conditions, which may vary. LPOD Academy reserves the right to withdraw promotional offers at any time.
By booking a course with LPOD Academy, you confirm that:
Questions about our terms? We’re here to help.
Phone: 0330 223 2127 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm)
Email: customercare@lpodacademy.co.uk
Complaints: customercare@lpodacademy.co.uk
Last Updated: May 2026
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