The training contract is your first legal safeguard before you begin learning to drive
What is a training contract with a driving school?
The training contract is a written agreement between the driving licence candidate and an approved driving school. Since 1 September 2025, under government decree no. 510 of 2021, this contract has become mandatory: it must be signed by both parties before lessons begin and sets out, in particular, the number of training hours and each party's payment obligations.
The mandatory clauses the contract must contain
- The learner driver's full identity and national identity card number
- The name and approval number of the driving school
- The licence category applied for (B, A, C, etc.)
- The conditions for cancelling or interrupting the training
- The signature of both parties and the driving school's stamp
⚠️Never sign a contract that does not bear the driving school's official stamp or the approval number issued by the Ministry of Transport. This could expose you to legal problems or to losing your money.
The learner driver's rights and obligations under the contract
Once the contract is signed, each party has specific rights and obligations that must be respected to ensure the training runs smoothly.
- The learner driver's right to change driving school if the conditions are not met
- The learner driver's obligation to respect the lesson times agreed in advance
- The driving school's obligation to provide a training vehicle in good condition and insured
- The driving school's obligation to provide a legally approved driving instructor
How to terminate the training contract?
Terminating the training contract is a right granted to the learner driver, governed by the new regulations that came into force in September 2025.
- You may terminate the contract after passing the practical driving test or the driving theory test
- You may also terminate the contract without having sat both tests, once the date set for them has passed
- It is advisable to do this in writing to the driving school's administration, keeping a signed and dated copy
- Always keep a copy of the original contract as well as of the termination document as proof in the event of a dispute
❌Avoid driving schools that ask for payment in full in cash without giving you a receipt or a copy of the contract. You are exposing yourself to a risk of financial loss with no legal guarantee whatsoever.
How to choose a reliable driving school?
Choosing the right driving school saves you time and money, and improves your chances of passing the licence test on the first attempt.
- Check the driving school's official approval number with the Regional Transport Directorate
- Read reviews and testimonials from former learner drivers
- Visit the premises in person and check the condition of the vehicles used for training
- Find out about the pass rate in the licence tests
- Ask for a copy of the contract before signing so you can read it through carefully
Can I get my money back if I have not completed the training?
Yes, if the contract contains a clause setting out the cancellation conditions, you have the right to recover the amount remaining for the lessons you have not yet taken.
What should I do if the driving school does not respect the terms of the contract?
You can contact the Regional Transport Directorate to file an official complaint, keeping a copy of the contract as proof.
Can you change driving school during the training?
Yes, this is possible where the driving school has clearly failed to meet the terms of the contract. It is best to contact the competent administration to facilitate the transfer.
Is the insurance for the training vehicle paid by the driving school or by the learner driver?
Insurance for the training vehicle is entirely the responsibility of the driving school, and it is not permitted to ask the learner driver for an additional contribution towards it.
Conclusion
Signing the training contract with a driving school is a decisive step on your path to obtaining your driving licence in Tunisia. Always make sure you read the contract carefully and check all the mandatory clauses. By following the advice given in this article, you will be able to protect your rights and ensure successful, secure training.
