THE Consumer Council of Fiji has received 57 complaints against driving schools in Fiji, and it involved payments amounting to almost $21,430.
A statement from council CEO Seema Shandil said the complaints ranged from vanishing instructors to ghost-written contracts.
The road to obtaining a driver’s license has indeed turned bumpy.
“The council has noted a pattern in the nature of these complaints, which includes written contracts not being provided to learners, receipts of payments being withheld, and driving schools failing to deliver the agreed number of classes,” she said.
Other troubling issues, Ms Shandil said, involved instructors who neglected to fill out mandatory workbooks and concerns were also raised about the unprofessional and aggressive conduct of some instructors.
She said these were not isolated incidents and reflected a worrying trend that puts both the consumer and the integrity of driver education at risk.
Ms Shandil said in several cases, consumers paid hundreds of dollars with no formal agreements to support their claims.
“This leaves learners with little to no recourse when problems arise.
“Some driving schools are literally taking consumers for a ride. It’s crucial that learners and parents take the time to ask questions, check school credentials, and ensure that everything is in writing from the beginning.”
In this regard, the council has increased its outreach and monitoring efforts in a bid to ensure fair trading practices were upheld in the driver education industry.
“While the council continues to push for better accountability from service providers, it also urges consumers to be vigilant and speak up when something feels off.
“Consumers who are experiencing difficulties with driving schools are strongly encouraged to contact the council for assistance.”
You can contact the National Consumer Helpline on 155 to lodge your complaints.
