I wanted to send a quick update to all current learners to keep everyone informed about a few changes, updates, and reminders relating to lessons over the coming months. Some of these are small updates, while others may affect how lessons and bookings are managed going forward.
Please take a few minutes to read through the information below so you’re aware of how things will work moving forward. As always, if anything is unclear or you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.
GoRoadie Awards
I’m pleased to share that I was recently shortlisted for the GoRoadie Driving Instructor Awards, making the shortlist of just 40 instructors across the UK for the third consecutive year.
While I didn’t take home the award this time, being shortlisted again is something I’m really proud of. It’s a great recognition of the work we do together during lessons and the effort that learners put in to develop their driving skills and pass their tests safely.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Kevin Brock Driver Training as achievements like this are only possible because of the progress and success of the learners I work with.
New Tuition Vehicle
The current lease on my tuition vehicle is due to end in May 2026. Although a confirmed delivery date hasn’t yet been finalised, the next tuition vehicle will be a SEAT Ibiza.
The changeover will take place at some point before the current lease ends, and I will let learners know closer to the time once a confirmed date is available.
As with the current vehicle, the new car will remain fully dual-controlled and suitable for all stages of learning, from beginner lessons through to driving test preparation.
Unfilled Lessons
Lesson availability is usually sent out around 10 days in advance, typically on a Wednesday evening, so learners have plenty of time to secure a slot.
Recently there has been a noticeable delay between availability being issued and lessons being booked. As my schedule is planned around the number of teaching hours required each week, and I do not overbook my diary, this can result in gaps remaining unfilled.
If lesson spaces remain unbooked, I may offer those slots to new learners joining the waiting list. This may reduce the number of lesson spaces available for existing learners in future weeks.
As a reminder of my Terms and Conditions, if no lesson is booked for two consecutive weeks your place on my books may be removed. If you are unable to have lessons for any reason (for example exams, finances, holidays or other commitments), I would appreciate being informed so that spaces can be offered to other learners who may wish to book or take additional lessons.
Lesson Payments
All lesson payments are due 48 hours before the scheduled start time of your lesson.
For example, if your lesson is booked for 10:00am on Wednesday, payment must be received by 10:00am on Monday.
Recently there has been an increase in late payments and the need for repeated reminders. In an effort to reduce the amount of administrative time spent chasing payments, I have trialled sending earlier reminders at the weekend for the week ahead, however this has had limited effect.
Please ensure payments are made by the required deadline. Lessons that remain unpaid at the 48-hour deadline may be released and offered to other learners.
Lessons will not go ahead if payment has not been received within the 48-hour timeframe.
If late payments continue to be a regular issue, I will review the payment policy going forward. This may include moving the payment deadline further in advance or removing persistent late payers from my books.
Cancellation Period
My cancellation policy requires a minimum of 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or rearrange a lesson. Many other instructors adopt a 48-hour cancellation period.
Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are very difficult to refill at short notice and will therefore be charged in full.
While I may occasionally waive this charge at my discretion in certain circumstances, this should not be assumed.
If I arrive for a scheduled lesson and you are not home, have forgotten about the lesson, or cancel at the time due to illness or other reasons, the lesson will be charged in full.
This policy is outlined in the Terms and Conditions document provided before lessons begin and is also explained during your first lesson.
Lesson Management App
In the near future I will be introducing a new system to help manage lesson bookings, track progress and improve communication.
The system I am currently planning to introduce is called Total Drive, although this has not yet been fully finalised.
Once implemented, the app will allow learners to view lesson bookings, track their driving progress and access lesson information more easily.
Further details will be sent out closer to the time, including instructions on how to download and set up the app if this system is confirmed.
Driving Test Booking Changes
The DVSA have announced changes to the rules surrounding driving test bookings which will come into effect from 31 March 2026.
From this date, a driving test booking will only be able to be changed twice. Currently, bookings can be changed up to six times.
It is hoped that this change may help reduce the current shortage of driving test availability, although the long-term impact remains to be seen.
Further changes are also expected later in the year which may mean that only learner drivers themselves will be able to book and manage their driving test.
At present I usually assist learners by booking tests on their behalf as part of the service I provide, at no additional cost. Depending on how the new system is implemented, this may result in some changes to how tests are booked and managed in the future.
While many instructors disagree with this change, it has been introduced to prevent third-party booking services and automated bots from purchasing large numbers of tests and reselling them to learners at heavily inflated prices.
Once further guidance is provided by the DVSA, I will update learners with any changes that may affect the way tests are booked.
Ready to Pass
For learners who already have a driving test booked, this is a reminder to ensure you have reviewed the Ready to Pass guidance available on the GOV.UK website.
This guidance explains the standard expected by the DVSA when attending a practical driving test and outlines the level of ability required to pass safely and consistently.
I strongly encourage all learners with a test approaching to familiarise themselves with this information so that you have a clear understanding of what the examiner will be looking for on the day of your test.
If you are unsure whether you are currently working at test standard, we can discuss this during your lessons and review your progress together.
Changes to Terms and Conditions
In light of some of the updates outlined above, there may be occasions where changes need to be made to my existing Terms and Conditions.
If any updates are required, an updated copy of the Terms and Conditions will be provided to all current learners.
Some changes may take effect immediately where they are required due to external or legislative changes (for example updates to DVSA driving test booking rules). Other changes may be introduced following a reasonable notice period where appropriate.
Any updates will always be communicated clearly in advance.
Thank you for taking the time to read through these updates.
I appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping lessons run smoothly and efficiently. Clear communication and keeping to the policies above helps ensure that lesson availability is managed fairly and that I can continue providing the best possible service to all learners.
If you have any questions about anything mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Best regards,
Kev