Learning to drive can be exciting—but it also costs money. One thing many learners don’t realise is that they can lose their lesson fees if they’re not careful. Here’s why that happens, and how you can avoid it.

Cancelling Too Late

Most driving schools ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you want to cancel a lesson.
If you cancel at the last minute, or just don’t show up, your instructor has no time to fill that spot.
That means you’ll likely be charged for the lesson.

Tip: Always contact your driving school or instructor as early as possible if you can’t make it.

Not Showing Up

If you don’t attend your lesson, you may lose your full lesson fee. Instructors will usually try to contact you, but if they don’t hear back, they may leave after waiting a short while. It’s important to let your instructor know if you’re running late—otherwise, your time may be marked as missed, and the lesson fee will still apply.

Tip: Set a reminder on your phone or write it down so you don’t forget your lesson—and aim to be a few minutes early.

Breaking the Rules

If you break the driving school’s rules—like being rude, showing up under the influence, or not having your provisional licence—your lesson can be cancelled, and you may not get your money back.

Tip: Always follow the school’s rules and bring everything you need.

Failing to Read the Terms

Some learners don’t read the terms and conditions when booking lessons.
This means they may not know about cancellation fees, refund policies, or non-refundable deposits.

Tip: Take a few minutes to read the school’s policy before you book.

Cancelling a Course Last Minute

If you’ve booked a block of lessons or an intensive course, cancelling the whole thing at short notice could mean losing part—or even all—of your payment. Most schools require several days’ notice, and they may charge a cancellation fee.

Tip: Only book a course when you’re sure you can commit to the dates.

Understanding Cancellation Policies

It’s very common for driving schools and companies to have cancellation policies in place. These help instructors manage their time and protect their income.

For example:

• RED Driving School require at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel  lesson.
• AA Driving School also charges the full lesson fee for cancellations with not less than 48 hours’ notice.
• The DVSA requires at least 10 full working days’ notice for car driving tests and 3 full working days’ notice to cancel or other driving test.

These policies are not designed to be harsh—they’re in place to ensure fairness and allow instructors and examiners to run efficiently.

Tip: Check the cancellation policy before booking lessons or tests, and always give as much notice as possible if plans change.

Final Thoughts

No one likes to lose money—especially when learning to drive. But by knowing the rules, planning ahead, and keeping in touch with your driving school or instructor, you can avoid unnecessary charges and make the most of your lessons.

Want to be confident and prepared? Ask your driving school about their policies before you book. It’s always better to be sure!