People's Sharp Review: Easy Registration, Difficult Refunds - Is It Really This Hard to Get a Refund in the Driving Training Industry?

People’s Daily “People’s Direct” investigative report finds that the issues of “difficult refunds” and “expensive refunds” in the driving training industry have become common pain points. Many people, even if they haven’t attended training, still face long disputes and high deduction rates when requesting refunds.

A university student paid 2,900 yuan for driving training but, due to studying elsewhere and applying for a refund, took over a year to get back only 1,000 yuan. The driving school also evaded responsibility by claiming “no refunds if registration exceeds 2 years,” stating this is a local industry “practice.”

The photo shows Guo Weihao communicating with driving school staff about the refund. According to the contract, the student “has processed files at Xiamen Vehicle Management Office but has not taken the first exam,” and terminating the contract requires paying a penalty of 2,000 yuan. Photo provided by interviewee.

In daily life, similar cases are common. Some students even need to sue to defend their rights. Even if courts order refunds, the money is often delayed.

On one hand, some driving schools include “霸王条款” (unfair terms) in standard contracts, often deducting over half or even more than 80% of fees when students breach the contract. Meanwhile, the schools’ own breaches are vague, with little responsibility or compensation, shifting all business risks onto consumers.

On the other hand, some driving schools expand by recruiting many affiliated instructors. When students request refunds due to instructors transferring schools without approval, disputes between schools and instructors often arise.

Worse, some driving schools divert tuition fees for other uses or even run away with the money when operating poorly, leaving students unable to get refunds.

A student is practicing driving at a driving school in Jiangsu. People’s Daily Li Jingye photo.

Addressing the “difficult refund” problem in the driving training industry cannot rely solely on students fighting alone. A multi-pronged, comprehensive approach is essential.

First, eliminate “霸王条款” at the source by establishing standardized driving training contracts that clearly define the rights and obligations of both parties, with strict limits on penalty charges.

Second, innovate the fee collection model. For example, deposit tuition into a third-party escrow account, then settle based on hours or progress, preventing schools from misappropriating funds or maliciously deducting fees.

Furthermore, regulatory authorities should intensify inspections of the driving training market. For schools found to have violations such as “difficult refunds” or “expensive refunds,” strict legal action should be taken.

Consumer fairness is an important aspect of people’s livelihood, and contract integrity is the solid foundation of market order. Rectifying the chaos of “difficult” and “expensive” refunds in the driving training industry through regulations and strengthened supervision not only safeguards students’ rights but also purifies the industry environment, creating a fair and transparent industry ecosystem.

China has become a major automobile country. As an important part of the automotive society, driving training should develop in sync with the industry. Only by improving regulatory mechanisms and cleaning up the training market can driving training services keep pace with the rise of a strong automotive nation and truly protect consumers’ vital interests.

Source: People’s Daily Opinions