FAQs for Learners.

DriveBuddy is a platform that connects learner drivers with independent driving instructors across Australia. We make it easy to find, book, and pay for driving lessons online.

Browse our directory of qualified instructors, view their profiles, prices, and availability, then book a lesson that suits you. Payment is handled securely through the platform, and you'll receive confirmation and reminders for your booking.

You must be at least 16 years old to use DriveBuddy. If you're under 18, you'll need parental or guardian consent. You must also hold a valid learner permit or driver's licence for your state or territory.

Yes, you must bring your valid learner permit or driver's licence to every lesson. Your instructor cannot legally provide instruction without it.

No. DriveBuddy is a marketplace platform that connects learners with independent instructors. Each instructor is an independent contractor who runs their own business. When you book a lesson, you're entering into an agreement directly with the instructor.

Find an instructor in your area, select an available time slot, enter your pickup location, and complete the payment. You'll receive a confirmation email with all the details.

Absolutely! You can browse instructor profiles, read reviews, compare prices, and choose the instructor that best suits your needs.

You can reschedule through the platform. If you reschedule more than 24 hours before your lesson, there's no penalty. Rescheduling within 24 hours may be treated as a late cancellation.

Lesson duration varies by instructor. Most offer 1-hour or 2-hour lessons. The duration will be clearly shown when you book.

You choose the pickup location when you book. Your instructor will meet you there. Make sure you provide an accurate address and are ready at the agreed time.

If your instructor is delayed, they should contact you through the platform. You'll still receive your full lesson duration. If they don't show up, contact us and we'll arrange a full credit or refund.

Payment is due when you book. You can pay for individual lessons or purchase Credits in advance.

Credits are prepaid funds stored in your DriveBuddy wallet. You can use Credits to pay for lessons with any instructor on the platform. Credits are denominated in Australian dollars and don't expire for 24 months.

Yes! Our discount bands give you savings when you purchase Credits in bulk:

• 1-5 hours equivalent: no discount
• 6-9 hours equivalent: 5% off
• 10+ hours equivalent: 10% off

The discount is applied at checkout.

We charge a small processing fee on Credit purchases to help cover payment processing, fraud prevention, and platform operations. The fee is shown at checkout before you pay.

No, Credits are non-transferable and can only be used by the account holder who purchased them.

Credits expire 24 months from the date of purchase. Expired Credits cannot be refunded or reinstated.

We accept major credit and debit cards. Payments are processed securely through Stripe.

Yes, you can edit certain details like your pickup location up until 2 hours before your lesson. To change the date or time, you'll need to reschedule.

You can reschedule through the Platform. If you reschedule more than 24 hours before your lesson, there's no fee. Your reschedule request will be sent to your instructor for confirmation.

If you cancel more than 24 hours before your lesson, you'll receive a full credit to your wallet. If you cancel within 24 hours (or don't show up), the instructor is entitled to keep the full lesson fee as a late cancellation fee.

Yes, at their discretion. Instructors have 30 days to choose to waive the late cancellation fee and return your Credits. This is entirely at the instructor's goodwill.

If your instructor cancels, the lesson fee is immediately returned to your wallet as Credits. You can rebook with the same instructor, choose a different instructor, or request a refund to your original payment method.

Instructors may cancel lessons if weather conditions make driving unsafe. This is treated as an instructor cancellation, so you'll receive a full credit return.

When an instructor cancels, you can request a refund to your original payment method. Refunds are typically processed within 5-10 business days, though your bank may take additional time.

Generally, no. The Platform Processing Fee is non-refundable except where required by Australian Consumer Law.

You can request a refund of unused, unexpired Credits when closing your account. The refund is based on the amount you actually paid (after any discounts), excluding the Platform Processing Fee.

See our Booking Policy for details on editing, rescheduling, and cancelling bookings, and our Refund Policy for complete information on when and how refunds are processed.

All instructors must hold a valid driving instructor licence and Working With Children Check (where required by their state). However, DriveBuddy does not conduct independent police checks or background verification. We recommend reviewing instructor profiles and ratings before booking.

Your safety is the priority. If you feel unsafe at any time, ask the instructor to end the lesson immediately. Then contact us to report the issue.

After your lesson, you can leave a review and rating for your instructor. Reviews help other learners make informed choices and help maintain quality on the platform.

Please contact us with details of your concern. We take all complaints seriously and will investigate fairly.

Yes. We take data security seriously and comply with Australian privacy laws. Read our Privacy Policy for full details on how we handle your information.