Paying for Driving Lessons (not strictly motoring....)

cookie666

About to pay £1400 for an intensive driving course, the company is a registered business and has a business bank account etc but only accepts payments from BAC/Direct transfer (no credit card).

I've always been told to avoid paying into a bank account and this is my first dealing with the company (and if all goes well my only payment to them!).

Is there any protection if I pay into a business bank account

la531983

Absolutely none. Same as paying into a personal bank account.

Herzlos

It's quite common particularly for businesses that mostly deal with other businesses.

Does the company seem legitimate and did they provide you the bank details directly? Have you seen their premises?

DullGreyGuy

cookie666 said:

Is there any protection if I pay into a business bank account

All consumers have statutory rights but that is agnostic to payment method. You don't get the ability to recall the monies as you might with a card payment or DD but if they don't want the expense of accepting cards there is little you can do if this is the company you want to use. 

tacpot12

If you really must pay up front (and I advise not doing so - pay them after each lesson if you can), pay using a credit card. If you don't have a credit card, get one for this purchase. It's the only way you will get any protection from them going under, and they often do, curiously, just after you have paid them!

So many people get burned by this, don't be one of them. 

DullGreyGuy

tacpot12 said:

If you really must pay up front (and I advise not doing so - pay them after each lesson if you can), pay using a credit card. If you don't have a credit card, get one for this purchase. It's the only way you will get any protection from them going under, and they often do, curiously, just after you have paid them!

So many people get burned by this, don't be one of them. 

Its an intensive course, so presumably 3-5 days and they don't accept credit cards... I doubt they'll allow you to pay for each day in the morning as that's just an admin headache for them. 

daveyjp

Until you have met and are happy with the instructor don't pay up front.  Have a couple of taster lessons first before committing.

ontheroad1970

daveyjp said:

Until you have met and are happy with the instructor don't pay up front.  Have a couple of taster lessons first before committing.

Usually intensive courses have an already arranged Test, and I can't see many agreeing to be paid after a few lessons.  I did an intensive course with a firm in Swindon, but did a few lessons in Wales first with a different instructor.  Due to the way I work, normal lessons weren't an option for me.  

OP - are they a registered company? If so check them out on companies house - you will be able to see their lodged accounts and any issues they may have had in the past.  It isn't protection, but it is background.

cookie666

Just an update, all good, son has had his lessons, however he's not yet ready for the road so a few more regular lessons first!