Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 1 January 2024

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of the services provided by SkillRide Driving Academy Pty Ltd (ABN 47 593 128 064), located at 14 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown NSW 2200. By booking a lesson, purchasing a package, or using our website, you agree to be bound by these terms in full.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our website or engaging our services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use our services. We reserve the right to update these terms at any time, and continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

2. Lesson Booking and Scheduling

All driving lessons must be booked in advance through our website, by phone, or via email. Bookings are subject to instructor availability and are confirmed once you receive a confirmation notification from SkillRide Driving Academy.

• Lessons are typically scheduled in one-hour or two-hour blocks, unless otherwise agreed.
• You must be at the agreed pickup location at the scheduled time. If you are not present within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, the lesson will be marked as a no-show and the full lesson fee will be charged.
• We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your preferred instructor, day, and time, but we cannot guarantee specific scheduling requests.
• Lessons are conducted in the areas surrounding Bankstown and Greater Sydney, unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance.

3. Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

• 24 Hours or More Notice: If you cancel or reschedule your lesson at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time, no cancellation fee will be charged.
• Less Than 24 Hours Notice: If you cancel or reschedule with less than 24 hours notice, the full lesson fee will be charged.
• No-Show: If you fail to attend a scheduled lesson without prior notice, the full lesson fee will be charged.
• Instructor Cancellation: If SkillRide Driving Academy needs to cancel a lesson due to instructor illness, vehicle maintenance, or other unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you as soon as possible and reschedule your lesson at no additional cost.
• Severe Weather: In the event of severe weather conditions that make driving unsafe, either party may cancel the lesson without penalty. The lesson will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.

4. Payment Terms

• All lesson fees and package prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are inclusive of GST where applicable.
• Payment is required at the time of booking unless you have purchased a prepaid lesson package.
• We accept payment via credit card, debit card, bank transfer, and other methods as displayed on our website.
• Prepaid lesson packages must be used within 12 months from the date of purchase, unless otherwise stated. Unused lessons after this period will be forfeited.
• Prices are subject to change without notice. Any price changes will not affect lessons or packages that have already been paid for.

5. Student Responsibilities

As a student of SkillRide Driving Academy, you agree to the following:

• You must hold a valid NSW Learner Permit or the appropriate licence for the type of instruction being provided. You must present your permit or licence to the instructor at the start of each lesson.
• You must not attend a lesson under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair your ability to drive safely. If your instructor suspects impairment, the lesson will be terminated immediately and the full fee will be charged.
• You must wear appropriate footwear suitable for driving (enclosed shoes). Thongs, high heels, and bare feet are not permitted.
• You must follow all lawful instructions given by your driving instructor during the lesson.
• You must disclose any medical conditions, disabilities, or medications that may affect your ability to drive safely.
• If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must provide written consent before lessons can commence.
• You are responsible for ensuring that your log book is up to date and available for the instructor to sign at the end of each lesson.

6. Instructor Responsibilities

SkillRide Driving Academy instructors are committed to providing professional, patient, and safe driving instruction. Our instructors will:

• Hold a valid NSW Driving Instructor Licence issued by Transport for NSW.
• Maintain current Working With Children Check clearance where required.
• Provide a roadworthy, registered, and insured dual-control vehicle for all lessons.
• Arrive at the agreed pickup location on time.
• Deliver lessons in accordance with the NSW curriculum and best practices for driver education.
• Treat all students with respect, professionalism, and courtesy.

7. Vehicle and Insurance

All vehicles used for driving instruction by SkillRide Driving Academy are:

• Registered and insured in accordance with NSW road transport legislation.
• Fitted with dual controls (brake and accelerator) to ensure the safety of the student and instructor.
• Regularly serviced and maintained to a roadworthy standard.
• Covered by Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance and comprehensive vehicle insurance.

In the event of an accident during a lesson caused by student negligence or a deliberate act, the student (or their parent or guardian if the student is under 18) may be held liable for any insurance excess or damage costs not covered by insurance.

8. Driving Test Bookings

If you book a driving test through SkillRide Driving Academy or use our vehicle for a driving test, the following applies:

• A separate fee applies for the use of our vehicle during a driving test.
• We recommend booking a pre-test lesson before your driving test to familiarise yourself with the test route and vehicle.
• SkillRide Driving Academy does not guarantee that you will pass the driving test. Test results are determined solely by the authorised testing officer.
• Any fees paid to Transport for NSW or Service NSW for the driving test are separate from our fees and are non-refundable by us.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• SkillRide Driving Academy will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of our services.
• Our total liability for any claim arising out of or in connection with our services is limited to the amount you paid for the specific lesson or package giving rise to the claim.
• We do not guarantee that you will pass your driving test or obtain your licence within any particular timeframe.
• We are not liable for any loss or damage to personal belongings left in our vehicles during or after a lesson.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot be excluded or limited by law.

10. Intellectual Property

All content on the SkillRide Driving Academy website, including text, images, logos, graphics, and design elements, is the property of SkillRide Driving Academy Pty Ltd and is protected by Australian copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use any content from our website without our prior written consent.

11. Privacy

We collect and handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Australian Privacy Act 1988. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

12. Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises in connection with these terms or our services, both parties agree to attempt to resolve the matter through good faith negotiation. If the dispute cannot be resolved informally, it may be referred to mediation before an independent mediator agreed upon by both parties. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute may be referred to the courts of New South Wales.

13. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New South Wales, Australia. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales for any legal proceedings arising out of or in connection with these terms.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

• Business Name: SkillRide Driving Academy Pty Ltd
• ABN: 47 593 128 064
• Address: 14 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown NSW 2200
• Email: [email protected]