To ask for refund on intensive driving course?

[funnylittlefloozie]

My DD booked herself an intensive driving course a few weeks ago. It was meant to take place this week, with the test being today. Obviously it has now been postponed indefinitely.

DD paid a deposit to the company, with the balance due to the instructor on the first morning of teaching.

She has emailed the company to ask for her deposit back, as her course booked for this week has been cancelled. The company has refused, as they say the reason for cancellation is out of their control. DD is very disappointed - its nearly £200, which she worked and saved up for, and which would be useful for her now as she has been laid off from her waitressing job.

Am i being unreasonable to persist in requesting a refund? She would almost certainly have rebooked a course with them once things have got a bit more normal.

The whole point of a deposit is that it's not refundable. Otherwise what would be the point?

Instead of asking for a refund, as that the deposit be applied to a course after the coronavirus?

This seems unfair. Are they unwilling to delay the course?

They are saying that they will rebook her onto another course at some point in the future when they are able to start lessons again. The point is though, that she wanted specifically that course this week to pass ASAP. If its going to drag on into a nebulous future, she could just book ordinary lessons and a test in the normal way.

Ah I see. But it doesn't sound like she will be able to have ordinary lessons right now anyway?

Very disappointing though.

Does she not want to do it when the lockdown eases. They're not cancelling they're postponing for good reason whereas it seems your daughter has just changed her mind?

But presumably she can't take her test this week and won't be able to until some time in the nebulous future, anyway? If you've already paid the deposit, surely you're more likely to be prioritised for intensive course dates when things are back to normal and you've managed to re-book the test.

She won’t be able to have weekly lessons right now will she? She won’t be able to book/have a test the foreseeable future.

The point of a deposit is that it’s nonrefundable and they have offered to reschedule the course so YABU

She can't do lessons or a test with anyone at the moment so does it really matter?

She won’t be able to have any lessons or a test in the near future anyway. All tests are cancelled until June at the earliest

The point is though, that she wanted specifically that course this week to pass ASAP. If its going to drag on into a nebulous future, she could just book ordinary lessons and a test in the normal way.

That doesn't make sense. The intensive course will still be the quickest way of passing when they are able to offer lessons again.

Has she passed her Theory yet?

If she hasn't, she's not going to any time soon. The test centres' staff have all been furloughed as of Monday.

Legally they cancelled so you should get a full refund?
There’s a lot of discussion on the legal board about refunds, maybe post there?