AA and BSM ordered to refund learner drivers for hidden fees - BBC
The owner of the driving schools has been fined for failing to disclose fees upfront online.
www.bbc.comThe latest news is that the UK Competition and Markets Authority ordered AA Driving School and BSM Driving School to refund more than 80,000 learners and pay a £4.2 million fine over hidden mandatory booking fees. The refunds total over £760,000, with the issue centered on “drip pricing” that did not show the full cost upfront.[1][2]
What happened
The regulator said people booking lessons online between April and December 2025 were shown prices before a compulsory £3 booking fee was added later at checkout. The CMA said that practice breached consumer law because unavoidable charges must be shown from the start.[2][1]
Refunds and fine
Affected customers are to get automatic refunds, usually around £9, and AA/BSM is supposed to contact them directly. The £4.2 million penalty was reduced from £7 million after the company settled early and cooperated.[3][1]
Why it matters
This was the first penalty under the CMA’s newer direct enforcement powers, so it is being treated as a significant consumer-law case. AA said it had already changed its website to make the booking fee clearer.[4][2]