AA fined and ordered to refund learner drivers for hidden fees

AA and BSM Driving Schools Ordered to Refund Learners Over Hidden Costs

The operator of AA and BSM driving schools has been ordered to issue refunds to thousands of learners following an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The AA Driving School and BSM were found to have concealed the full cost of lessons during online bookings, violating consumer laws. As part of the settlement, Automobile Association Developments will also face a £4.2m fine.

Over 80,000 customers affected by the undisclosed fees will receive a share of £760,000 in total refunds, averaging roughly £9 per person. The CMA confirmed that the AA admitted to breaching regulations and agreed to resolve the case without further legal action. This decision follows a probe into how the driving schools presented pricing information to prospective students.

This breaking news story is being updated. More details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

To stay informed about the latest updates, download the BBC News App for real-time alerts on your smartphone or tablet. Follow @BBCBreaking on X for immediate notifications of new developments.