Brussels – A recent investigation by the Belgian consumer organization Test Achats has revealed a series of violations and abusive practices within the country’s driving school sector.
The findings, published on Thursday, highlight widespread issues regarding unfair cancellation policies, unlawful contract terms, and failure to comply with consumer protection regulations. A formal complaint has been filed against 12 driving schools.
Test Achats reviewed the general terms and conditions of 13 driving schools across Belgium, uncovering problematic policies in all of them.
Among the most concerning issues was the imbalance in cancellation rules. While driving schools could cancel lessons at the last minute, often due to an instructor’s illness, learner drivers were not granted the same flexibility. Many schools required students to cancel at least seven days in advance, even in cases of emergencies.
“A doctor’s note or even a death certificate is not accepted. Illness and certainly death is, of course, force majeure for which learner drivers should not be punished,” said Test Achats spokesperson Laura Clays, emphasizing the unfair nature of these regulations.
The investigation also found that 12 out of 13 driving schools failed to comply with a law that has been in force since September 2023. This law mandates that businesses provide a free reminder in case of late payments before charging additional fees.
Moreover, five of the schools had terms that stated prices and conditions could be unilaterally altered without notice, a practice deemed illegal under Belgian consumer protection laws.
Another alarming discovery was that three driving schools explicitly stated in their terms that they were “not responsible for the correctness of the information they provide.”
This raises serious concerns, as driving schools serve a critical role in educating learner drivers about road safety and regulations.
Calls for Reform and Increased Oversight
The investigation’s findings point to a systemic issue in the sector. “The fact that such widespread abuses are found indicates a dysfunction in the sector. More inspections are needed, and why not even specific guidelines?” Clays stated.
Following the revelations, Test Achats reached out to all the driving schools involved, urging them to amend their policies. However, only one of the 13 schools took corrective action, prompting the organization to escalate the matter.
A formal complaint was submitted to the Economic Inspection Authority, calling for stricter enforcement and penalties for non-compliant driving schools.
Test Achats has also appealed to government authorities for stronger protections for learner drivers. “We have sent a number of proposals to the Ministry of Mobility and the federal and regional ministers of Mobility, to inform them of our results and the need to better protect learner drivers,” Clays concluded.
The revelations have sparked discussions about the need for tighter regulations and more rigorous oversight of the driving school industry.
As complaints grow and more students voice concerns about unfair treatment, authorities may face increasing pressure to act swiftly to ensure a fair and transparent learning environment for all learner drivers in Belgium.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
