Instructor Cancellation Policy.

1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1.1 Reliability is essential. Learners rely on Instructors to honour confirmed bookings. Cancellations cause significant inconvenience to Learners and undermine trust in the Platform.

1.2 Reschedule where possible. Whenever possible, Instructors should aim to reschedule a booking rather than cancelling outright. This provides a better experience for Learners and maintains the Instructor's reputation.

1.3 Platform communication required. All modifications to bookings must be made through the DriveBuddy Platform. Instructors must provide as much notice as possible and maintain clear, professional communication with Learners at all times.

2. HOW TO CANCEL A BOOKING

2.1 Cancellation method. Instructors must cancel bookings through the DriveBuddy Platform. Cancellations made outside the Platform (e.g., via text message or phone call) are not valid and the booking will remain active.

2.2 Immediate credit return. When an Instructor cancels a booking through the Platform, the lesson fee is immediately returned to the Learner's DriveBuddy wallet as Credits.

2.3 Learner options. Following an Instructor cancellation, the Learner may:

• rebook with the same Instructor at a different time;
• book with a different Instructor; or
• request a refund to their original payment method in accordance with the Payment Policy.

3. VALID REASONS FOR CANCELLATION

3.1 Recognised reasons. DriveBuddy recognises that genuine circumstances may require an Instructor to cancel. Valid reasons for cancellation include:

• vehicle breakdown, mechanical failure, or other issues preventing the safe delivery of the lesson;
• medical emergency affecting the Instructor or a member of their immediate family;
• illness where the Instructor is unfit to safely provide instruction;
• unsafe weather conditions (as described in clause 4 below); and
• other genuine emergencies beyond the Instructor's reasonable control.

3.2 Documentation may be requested. DriveBuddy may request reasonable evidence to support a cancellation reason, particularly where an Instructor has a pattern of cancellations.

4. WEATHER AND SAFETY CANCELLATIONS

4.1 Safety-first approach. Instructors may cancel lessons where, in their reasonable professional opinion, weather conditions or other safety concerns make the provision of driving instruction unsafe or inadvisable.

4.2 Examples of safety cancellations. This includes (without limitation) severe storms, heavy rain affecting visibility, extreme heat, flooding, bushfire smoke, or other hazardous conditions.

4.3 No penalty for genuine safety cancellations. Cancellations made in good faith for genuine safety reasons will not count toward cancellation thresholds or attract penalties under this Policy.

4.4 Learner credit return. Weather and safety cancellations are treated as Instructor cancellations for payment purposes, and the Learner will receive a full credit return in accordance with clause 2.2.

5. FIRST BOOKING CANCELLATIONS

5.1 Importance of first impressions. A Learner's first booking with an Instructor is particularly important for building trust and establishing a positive learning relationship.

5.2 Higher standard applies. Cancelling a Learner's first booking without a valid reason (as described in clause 3) is considered a serious matter and may be treated as misuse of the Platform.

5.3 Pattern of first-booking cancellations. Instructors who repeatedly cancel first bookings may be subject to review and disciplinary action under clause 7.

6. PROHIBITED CONDUCT

6.1 Discriminatory cancellations. Instructors must not cancel bookings based on a Learner's race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Discriminatory cancellation behaviour is a serious breach of the Code of Conduct and these Terms.

6.2 Cancelling to avoid Platform fees. Instructors must not cancel bookings through the Platform with the intention of rebooking the Learner outside the Platform. This constitutes off-platform engagement prohibited under clause 5.1 of the Terms.

6.3 Pattern cancellations. Systematic or repeated cancellations designed to manipulate availability, ratings, or Platform systems constitute misuse.

7. CONSEQUENCES OF EXCESSIVE CANCELLATIONS

7.1 Monitoring. DriveBuddy monitors Instructor cancellation rates to maintain Platform quality and Learner trust.

7.2 Cancellation thresholds. While DriveBuddy recognises that occasional cancellations are unavoidable, Instructors with cancellation rates significantly above the Platform average may be subject to review.

7.3 Disciplinary actions. Instructors found to be excessively cancelling bookings or engaging in prohibited conduct under clause 6 may face:

• a formal warning;
• reduced visibility in search results;
• temporary suspension from accepting new bookings;
• temporary suspension from the Platform;
• permanent removal from the Platform; and/or
• forfeiture of pending payments (where permitted by law).

7.4 Severity determines response. The action taken will depend on the nature and frequency of cancellations, the reasons provided, the Instructor's overall history, and the impact on Learners.

7.5 Immediate removal. DriveBuddy may immediately suspend or remove an Instructor without prior warning where the Instructor engages in discriminatory cancellation behaviour or serious misuse of the Platform.

8. INSTRUCTOR NO-SHOWS

8.1 Definition. An Instructor no-show occurs when an Instructor fails to attend a confirmed booking without cancelling through the Platform or notifying the Learner.

8.2 Serious breach. Instructor no-shows are treated as a serious breach of these Terms and will result in:

• immediate return of the lesson fee to the Learner as Credits;
• formal warning or suspension (depending on circumstances); and
• potential removal from the Platform for repeated no-shows.

8.3 Communication expectation. If an Instructor is running late or unable to attend, they must notify the Learner as soon as possible through the Platform and cancel or reschedule the booking accordingly.

9. DISPUTES AND APPEALS

9.1 Raising concerns. If an Instructor believes a warning, suspension, or other action under this Policy was applied unfairly, they may contact DriveBuddy to request a review.

9.2 Review process. DriveBuddy will review the circumstances and may request additional information. DriveBuddy's decision following review is final.

10. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

10.1 DriveBuddy may amend this Policy in accordance with the Terms. The version published on the Platform at the relevant time will apply.