Terms & Conditions

General Terms and Conditions of Rijschool Beemster

This is an unofficial English translation of our Dutch Terms and Conditions. In case of discrepancies, the Dutch version prevails.

Article 1 Scope

These terms apply to all service agreements between the learner and the driving school. Taking lessons implies acceptance of these terms. Ambiguities shall be interpreted in line with the spirit of these provisions. An agreement is concluded upon signature by the learner (or by legal representatives if the learner is a minor) or by purchasing a product/service.

Article 2 Definitions

Learner: the person commissioning the driving school to provide lessons and receiving instruction from the instructor to obtain a driving licence.

Instructor: the person providing instruction to enable the learner to obtain a driving licence.

Driving instruction: taking car lessons and following the instructor’s directions to responsibly participate in the CBR practical exam to obtain a driving licence.

Driving school/holder: the party commissioned by the learner to provide instruction and to enable the instructor to help the learner obtain a driving licence.

Article 3 General

During a lesson, the learner is not the legal driver of the vehicle. The instructor (or the examiner during the exam) is legally liable, including for traffic violations and accidents, unless an exception applies as referenced in Article 11(a). A car lesson also includes taking the test for obtaining the driving licence (the practical exam).

Article 4 Obligations of the Driving School

Instruction is provided by certified instructors (WRM). The learner receives lessons preferably from the same instructor. The program aims to prepare the learner responsibly for the CBR exam. After payment, the school files the exam request with CBR in time (if authorized), ensures availability of the same or an equivalent vehicle (with at least one hour of instruction if substantially different), fully uses the agreed lesson time, and maintains appropriate insurance coverage customary in the industry.

Article 5 Obligations of the Client

The learner (a) ensures that a licence can be issued based on their residence status after passing; the school is not liable if issuance is refused; (b) declares no disqualification from driving; if discovered, no refunds are due for lessons or exam fees; (c) keeps to the agreed date, time and place. The school applies a maximum wait of 15 minutes, deducted from the lesson time. If absent without timely cancellation, the full lesson fee is due; place changes are only possible if discussed in time and logistically feasible; (d) cancels on time: at least 72 hours before the lesson (via phone, email, SMS or WhatsApp). Late cancellations are waived only for urgent reasons with proof (e.g. bereavement up to 2nd degree; own emergency hospitalisation). With a doctor’s note, payment may be waived in case of illness; (e) follows the instructor’s directions and switches off the mobile phone during lessons and exams; (f) for TTT/practical exam/additional/accelerated tests brings a valid ID, self-reflection form and appointment letter; (g) discloses medical conditions that could affect driving before lessons/exams; (h) keeps the car clean (no eating/drinking/smoking); (i) is ready 15 minutes before the lesson and always carries valid ID; (j) wears a seatbelt; refusal means no lesson and the full fee is due; (k) refrains from alcohol/drugs/medication that impair driving before lessons; if noticed, the lesson ends and the full fee is due; any damage caused under influence is fully for the learner; (l) continues the agreed number of lessons after booking a TTT/exam until the test; the school may cancel/postpone an exam if the learner is not ready; (m) authorises the school via DigiD at mijn.cbr.nl to reserve TTT/exams and submits the Health Declaration to CBR and pays it; (n) cooperates with checks if alcohol/drugs/medication use is suspected; refusal may lead to suspension and the full fee remains payable.

Article 6 Payment

Unless agreed otherwise in writing, lesson fees are paid by bank transfer before the lesson. The school may adjust prices during the agreement; the learner may terminate in writing within two weeks after notification. Increases in CBR/BNOR fees are passed on in TTT/exam costs. If payment is overdue, a reminder is sent within 14 days; a €15 admin fee may be added and lessons may be suspended. After 14 days the learner is in default and statutory interest applies. Claims may be handed to collections and (extra-)judicial costs may be charged.

Article 7 Theory and Exam

Learning materials can be purchased via the school and are paid upon ordering. The learner ensures possession of a valid theory certificate when required. Theory exam reservations via mijn.cbr.nl; fees are paid to CBR via iDEAL.

Article 8 Exam Application

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, fees for a TTT, practical exam or other assessments are paid to the school before the booking. Within 14 days after payment, the learner supplies unavailable dates by email; otherwise a random available TOP date is selected. If the learner is late/absent or lacks required documents, re-application costs are fully borne by the learner. The school may pass on CBR practical component price changes. The practical exam is scheduled as close as possible after the training.

Article 9 Suspension and Cancellation

The school may suspend/terminate if the client defaults, or in case of circumstances making continuation unreasonable. Claims become immediately due upon termination; no liability for resulting damages. In force majeure (weather, vehicle defect, exam shifts) the school may cancel training without liability. A substitute instructor may be assigned; if objectionable, notify after the next lesson. For fixed-exam packages, this arrangement may not apply. An exam ride may be converted to a lesson in bad weather. If termination is due to attributable conduct by the learner, the school is entitled to charge already taken lessons at the regular rate and to charge reasonable administrative costs.

Article 10 Fitness to Drive

If any Health Declaration answer is “Yes”, CBR conducts further assessment. Vehicle rental for the fitness test is charged. If no Health Certificate is issued, no refund for lessons already received. If the declaration is untruthful and CBR initiates medical review, all consequences and costs are for the client.

Article 11 Practical Exam

If CBR/BNOR cancels due to weather and a lesson was planned before the exam, one lesson fee may be charged for the rescheduled exam. In specific cases (bereavement up to 2nd degree; no vehicle available; vehicle rejected by examiner with no replacement), re-application will be arranged without extra costs; in the latter two cases, four free lessons are provided (not for new TTT requests).

Article 12 Personal Data Processing

Rijschool Beemster processes personal data in line with the GDPR. Appropriate technical and organisational measures are taken to protect personal data against loss or unlawful processing. For details, see our privacy policy.

Article 13 Confidentiality

The school and its staff are bound to confidentiality regarding personal data, except where disclosure is legally required; in that case, disclosure will be limited to what is necessary.

Article 14 Validity of Lesson Packages

Packages are valid for 18 months from purchase. If no lessons/contact occur within 18 months, remaining lessons expire without refund. The client is responsible to resume within validity; reminders are not required. In exceptional cases (e.g., long-term illness), extensions can be discussed. Packages are non-transferable without written consent.

Article 15 Termination of the Lesson Agreement

For fixed number/period agreements (e.g., packages), termination is only possible for urgent reasons, with settlement of taken lessons plus one extra lesson fee, admin costs, and paid CBR/BNOR fees. Prepayments are refunded minus the above amounts.

Article 16 Indemnity

The school indemnifies the client against third-party claims for collisions/incidents during lessons/exams, except in case of client’s intent/gross negligence or substance use affecting driving competence. If the client falsely stated no driving disqualification, the client fully indemnifies the school for fines and other financial consequences. Liability is limited to insured amounts with actual coverage.

Article 17 Applicable Law

By purchasing a package, the client agrees to these terms. Dutch law applies to all offers, agreements and their performance.

Article 18 Complaints

Learners with complaints about the execution of the lesson agreement should report them – preferably before a test/exam – to the school owner so that they can be resolved in time.