Learner Driver Refunds: AA and BSM to Pay Back £760k
The CMA has ordered the AA and BSM Driving Schools to refund over 80,000 learners after hiding mandatory booking fees. Find out if you're due an automatic £9 refund.
www.honestjohn.co.ukThe 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]