Following the parliamentary questions asked by VVD MP Dijkstra about the general conditions and insurance driving schools that may not always turn out to be in order, the House of Representatives received a reply from the responsible Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen.
The sector parties indicate that they are aware of some examples of situations in which students would have to pay damage and / or fines for situations that occur during the driving lesson and they themselves have to pay for traffic violations or damage they cause because the driving school does not have things in order. . This concerns driving schools that are not affiliated with the industry parties.
Additional insurance, such as a Casco (All Risk) is often absent
It is quite possible that driving schools drive around with cars that appear to be insured or insufficiently insured or not insured for occupants. The Minister indicates that no driving schools are known that use teaching cars that do not meet minimum basic civil liability (WA) and are therefore uninsured. That is an obligation for every car owner. Additional insurance, such as a Casco (All Risk) and the passenger insurance are not compulsory and are not centrally registered. No figures are therefore known about this.
The sector organizations BOVAG, FAM and VRB have all indicated that they check members annually on insurance, general terms and conditions and act with integrity and correctness. The members must submit their policies for inspection, although it has not yet occurred if the member was disbarred.
No nationally compulsory certification for driving schools
The Rijleskeurmerk is a private voluntary initiative and provides information on their website. There is no national mandatory quality mark for driving schools and the conditions also depend on the individual driving school. Each student or parent can request the individual conditions of the driving school in advance.
A small number of examples of deviating conditions have been reported by the industry and forwarded by me to ACM to investigate possible consumer deception. In the driving license tips campaign, the CBR pays attention to choosing a good driving school and what it must meet.
There are no legal options to address individual driving schools to established standards that can better protect consumers.
Motor Vehicle Driving Act passed by the House of Representatives
The Motor Vehicle Driving Act (WRM) provides that instructors must comply with compulsory further training and practical guidance. However, there are no requirements for driving schools in the WRM. The driving school sector is a free sector and is not bound by legal establishment rules. Minister van Nieuwenhuizen is confident that the new educational process in the WRM will contribute to improvement and is very pleased that the industry parties are actively cooperating.
