Do I need to pay again when changing driving schools?
2 Answers
Changing driving schools requires paying again, as there is no connection between different driving schools and they are in a competitive relationship. Therefore, it is inevitable to pay again when switching schools, which is equivalent to establishing a new training relationship with the new driving school. Of course, the cost is unavoidable. Another crucial point is that if you have already passed subjects like Subject 1 or other tests at your original driving school, you will need to retake these exams at the new school. The wasted time and effort require careful consideration before deciding to switch schools. The amount of tuition refunded by the original driving school is not a fixed value, and there are no relevant laws or regulations specifying the refund ratio when transferring. Therefore, the refund amount needs to be negotiated between you and the driving school. If you have already completed Subject 1 at the original driving school, the school has the right to charge you for the training fees, registration fees, and material costs related to Subject 1. In theory, fees for services not yet rendered can be refunded. Additionally, both the original and new driving schools should be under the jurisdiction of the same vehicle management office, meaning the two schools cannot be too far apart.
Do you have to pay fees again when switching driving schools? It mainly depends on the agreement with your previous driving school. Based on my experience of changing schools, usually you have to pay the tuition fees again because each driving school operates independently. As for the original school, you might get a partial refund, but it depends on the situation. For example, if you've only taken theoretical classes and haven't started practical training, and there's a refund clause in the contract, you might get most of your money back. However, if you've already completed most of the training, there might be no refund or a penalty fee. The new driving school will definitely require full payment—no one accepts students for free. I recommend checking the original contract and calling to clarify before switching. Also, see if there are any consumer protection laws in your area that could help with refunds. In short, switching driving schools means spending extra money, so it's better to choose the right one from the start rather than switching later. If you must switch, communicate early to avoid greater losses. I've seen many people who switched schools due to moving or issues with instructors and ended up paying the full fee again.
