What do I do here for unpaid money?

[DasEnglischesWetter]

My driving instructor charges £35/hour for driving lessons. My lessons are usually 1.5 hours long so I pay him £52.50/lesson.

Two weeks ago, I had a lesson for 1.5 hours but accidentally took £35 instead of £52.50. I gave it to him and he didn’t say anything for the whole lesson (not sure if he noticed or not), but then he texted me a couple of hours later to suggest that maybe I gave him the wrong amount of money.

Obviously I have no issue with giving the correct money - this isn’t the problem.

The issue is that I soon have a lesson with him in which I’m going to have to give him the remainder that I forgot to give from last lesson plus the new lesson’s fee. But, it feels so awkward.

Like what do I say or do when giving the extra money?

If you were an instructor, wouldn’t you find this weird?

You need transfer the remainder now then it probably won't come up.

Why didn't you tell him at the time- 'oh I'm so sorry Gary, I picked up £35 instead in error. Here is the £35 and I'll:
-ran into the house to get cash when we get back to mine, or
-Please text me your bank details so I can sort it out today

You had the service 2 weeks ago and leaving it 2 weeks is rude. Have you replied to his text about you giving him the wrong amount???

Why didn’t you say ‘sorry I brought the wrong amount, I’ll transfer the remainder now’. Very weird that you just gave him too little and stayed mute.

But it’s not too awkward now - just say ‘sorry about last week, here’s what I owe you’.

You say “sorry about the mix up last time, here’s what I owe you plus today’s money”

I'd text him and say I think you're right and I still owe you for half an hour. do you want me to transfer you the money I owe you or shall I bring extra cash for the next lesson?
Then just do that

I wouldn’t find it weird but I would find it rude that (presumably) you haven’t replied to the text he sent two weeks ago.

The best thing would have been to reply immediately to his text apologising for not having the right money last time and saying you would pay the extra at your next lesson.

If you didn’t do that, reply now, apologise for the delay in replying and that you didn’t have enough money last time and confirm that at your next lesson you will bring the right money and the extra for last time.

Surely you’ve replied to him to say you’d realised you hadn’t given him the full amount? And as part of that conversation agreed whether you’re transfer the shortfall or would give it to him at this lesson? So it’s a non-issue.

Just say ‘sorry I took the wrong money last time I’ve included it today’. Simple. No issues at all. Though you could reply to his text saying you’ll do this or say you’ll transfer it if he would prefer?

I did reply at the time and say id pay next time

In that case just hand over the money and say sorry I short changed you last time. And continue with the lesson. It shouldn’t be a thing.

You could ask to go into witness protection maybe?

Or -radical I know- just pay him the money that you owe. Why on earth would it be awkward. Why would he think you are "weird"?

Obviously I have no issue with giving the correct money - this isn’t the problem

So give him the correct money then. What is the problem?

What do you say?!? Are you joking?!? You say “I’m so terribly sorry I made a mistake TWICE and I will absolutely make sure it never happens again, and here is a ten pound tip by way of apology and appreciation that you have been willing to give me a third chance.” It’s not “awkward” to pay him, it’s a breach of contract not to!

Just apologise and pay whats owing. He could have said something at the time but he didnt.
Chill out, you havent killed anyone!!

Indeed. Simple mistake, obvious and easy answer and no harm down. Not sure why the OP felt a need to ask this on Mumsnet.

why have you even posted this question? Just give him the money, say sorry for the mixup and it's done.