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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Feeling ripped off over driving lessons. Or am I wrong?

19 replies

BrumBrumB · 23/01/2023 16:35

So I was looking to start driving ASAP for something happing this year.

In October of last year I started looking at 'Intensive driving courses' as the quickest way to learn.

I spoke to a company who offered a 20 hour intensive course for 720

The representative said it would be 4 hours a week.

I really wanted to learn fast so I asked when I could start. She said the official waiting time is 6/8 weeks but most of the time it's much quicker.

So I paid deposit.

It took 11 weeks for me to get my instructor and start my lessons.

And he's booked me in for a single 2 hour lesson per week.

AIBU to feel a bit ripped off? I could have paid £500 for 20 hours and even just doing 1 hour a week I would have 11 hours behind me now since booking?

I feel like a bit of a mug. Is 2 hours per week 'intensive'

What exactly have I paid an extra few hundred quid for?!

OP posts:
maranella · 23/01/2023 16:37

So call them up, tell them they're not delivering what they advertised and you paid for, and ask for your money back.

Daydreamer12345 · 23/01/2023 16:39

BrumBrumB · 23/01/2023 16:35

So I was looking to start driving ASAP for something happing this year.

In October of last year I started looking at 'Intensive driving courses' as the quickest way to learn.

I spoke to a company who offered a 20 hour intensive course for 720

The representative said it would be 4 hours a week.

I really wanted to learn fast so I asked when I could start. She said the official waiting time is 6/8 weeks but most of the time it's much quicker.

So I paid deposit.

It took 11 weeks for me to get my instructor and start my lessons.

And he's booked me in for a single 2 hour lesson per week.

AIBU to feel a bit ripped off? I could have paid £500 for 20 hours and even just doing 1 hour a week I would have 11 hours behind me now since booking?

I feel like a bit of a mug. Is 2 hours per week 'intensive'

What exactly have I paid an extra few hundred quid for?!

That’s not intensive so I’d be annoyed at that.

However, where were you quoted 500 for 20 hours?
£25 seems very cheap these days.

I’m currently having 2 hours a week and pay £70 for a 2 hour lesson-thats just the normal rate.

Rang around a lot at the beginning and didn’t find anyone cheaper

America12 · 23/01/2023 17:07

Paying £32 an hour here so £720 for 20 hours is about right.

America12 · 23/01/2023 17:08

2 hours a week is not intensive though.
I think intensive courses are 6 hours a day every day for a week

SnarkyBag · 23/01/2023 17:12

It’s not intensive no but I doubt anywhere does lessons at £25 an hour. I thought intensive was a full week of driving with a test at the end?

AlexanderSupertramp · 23/01/2023 17:13

Did you say something to the instructor when he said it was only 2 hours a week? That's not intensive a 2 hour lesson once a week is quite common where I am

LakeTiticaca · 23/01/2023 17:27

Yes you've been ripped off . An intensive course should be 6 hours daily for a week with test at the end . Ask for your money back and if they refuse report them to their regulatory body

AutumnScream · 23/01/2023 17:31

To echo everyone else no you have been ripped off. That is not an intensive driving course and you have the right to ask for your money back or ask for intensive lessons.

WotsitsMadeIn1927 · 23/01/2023 20:54

I did an intensive course in 2016. I can’t find the messages but I’m pretty sure it was something like 3 hours a day either daily or every other day. Then I took a test at the end.

I know prices have gone up, but Holy Christ.

You can find someone else to accommodate you better, please ask for your money back.

Oblomov22 · 23/01/2023 21:12

Ring them back. That's not intensive, that's normal.

BunchHarman · 23/01/2023 22:24

I did an intensive course when I was 18, because I was impatient. It was six hours a day for five days, then my test the following week, which I passed.

I was so exhausted at the end of each day I’d pass out on the sofa. Totally worth it.

Your course is not intensive. It just sounds like…lessons.

FarFromObvious · 23/01/2023 22:26

My teen has 1.5 hours a week. That’s not intensive and neither is 2 hours. I would have no compunction in asking for my money back.

rumship · 23/01/2023 22:37

As others have said OP that's not intensive at all, I have done an intensive course £1000 all in. 6 hours a day for a week plus home work and a test the following Monday I passed first time. Very hard and draining but worth it for me.

UncleHerbie · 23/01/2023 22:47

When I did an intensive driving course, it was Mon-Fri, 0900-1300. It was exhausting and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’ve never driven before. However, what you’ve paid for is not intensive and if I were you I’d complain

BrumBrumB · 24/01/2023 14:47

Oh dear. I've done about 15 hours previously.

So wanted a quick go of it.

Feel stupid now. Am going to insist on 2 x 2 hours a week

Though that still feels unintensive 😂

OP posts:
1099 · 24/01/2023 14:58

Hi OP;
I used to be a ADI, if you'd booked an intensive course with me it would have been 2 x 2hr sessions a day, with a break in between, for about a week, or maybe spread over a fortnight, more than that isn't intensive and you would have to spend too much time on refresher training each new lesson.

Janehowley71 · 28/03/2023 18:04

Seems you need a letter from god nowadays to book driving lessons. Can’t find anything for my son

notangelinajolie · 28/03/2023 18:14

An intensive driving course is several hours a day over a few days followed by a test.
It doesn’t appear you have been booked on one of these.
Did they confirm intensive when you paid your deposit.
Due to the backlog and long wait for driving tests, the test is usually booked first and then lessons are arranged around it. Do you have a test date?

Nonentity4 · 28/03/2023 18:19

£36 an hour is still cheap the going rate where I live is £40 to £45 for 1 hour. I would check out other driving instructors rates near you and compare.

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