Drive Blue | Northern Territory
Drive Blue is committed to professional, safe and respectful service delivery. The following policies apply to all services delivered by Drive Blue across the Northern Territory.
Effective date: 20 October 2026. These policies apply to all Drive Blue services across the Northern Territory. The current version is on this page with its effective date. A change applies to bookings made on or after that date; existing bookings keep the terms that applied when they were made, unless the change is better for you. Nothing in these policies limits any right you have under the Australian Consumer Law.
Policy 01
If you miss a session without telling us, the full session fee is charged. It is paid before your next booking is confirmed.
Call or text 0413 198 025 before your start time. Your session goes ahead: it starts when you arrive and ends at the booked time, and the full fee applies. If you are more than 15 minutes late without telling us, the session is cancelled and recorded as a no-show, and the full fee is charged.
If a session cannot go ahead because of you (for example, you are affected by alcohol or drugs, will not wear a seatbelt, or have not brought your licence card, enclosed shoes or any glasses your licence requires), the full fee applies.
If you end a session early, including because you feel unwell during it, the full fee applies. If you feel unwell while driving, tell your trainer at once: the drive stops, because your safety comes first. If you have a concern about your trainer or the session, tell the Director on 0413 198 025 or use our complaints process.
After 2 missed or late-cancelled sessions in 12 months, we may ask you to pay in full when you book, or decline further bookings.
If something serious happens, tell us in writing within 7 days. The Director may waive the fee. A waiver is not automatic.
Policy 02
Give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or move a lesson, assessment, test or training session. Call or text 0413 198 025, email enquiries@driveblue.com.au, or use the link in your booking email (it works until 24 hours before). Notice counts from when we receive it, and we confirm it.
No charge. Anything you have already paid moves to the new time, or we refund it within 5 business days.
The full session fee is charged. Moving a session with less than 24 hours' notice counts as a late cancellation.
Never drive unwell to avoid a fee. Tell us before your session starts, or tell your trainer when the lesson starts, and there is no charge, once in any 12 months.
During a cyclone watch, sessions may go ahead at your trainer's discretion. If we cancel, there is no charge; if you cancel, the 24-hour rule applies. When a cyclone warning covers your area, all lessons and tests stop and are rebooked after the authorities give the all clear, at no charge.
If a severe weather or flood warning, or a road closure, covers your area or route, there is no charge.
Back on Track courses have their own 72-hour rule (Policy 02A).
Funded, organisation, remote and regional bookings follow the terms in the quote or agreement (remote and regional: Policy 02B).
If we are running late by 5 minutes or more, we text you before your start time to say how late. You get the time back at the end of the lesson or in a future lesson, or you can cancel and rebook at no cost to you. For a test, the examiner offers to cancel and rebook without loss of any fee paid.
We tell you as early as we can and offer you a full refund or a new day and time.
Policy 02A
Back on Track courses are scheduled programs, often delivered in regional and remote communities. When you enrol, Drive Blue commits a facilitator, remote travel, a venue and your place in the course. Travel to remote communities is booked and paid well in advance, which is why 72 hours notice is required. This policy applies to every Back on Track enrolment, however the course fee is paid, including by Centrepay. For Back on Track courses it applies in place of Policies 01 and 02. Effective 9 October 2026.
If you cannot attend your course, you must tell Drive Blue in writing — by email to submissions@driveblue.com.au or by text message to 0413 198 025. Notice must come from you, the participant — notice sent by anyone else, including a support worker or partner organisation, is not accepted. Notice counts from the time Drive Blue receives it, and Drive Blue will confirm that it has been received. Phone calls and messages left with other people are not notice under this policy.
If you give written notice at least 72 hours before the course start time, no fee applies. You can move to the next available course, and anything you have already paid counts towards it.
If you give less than 72 hours written notice, or you do not attend and do not tell Drive Blue, this is treated as a no-show and the full course fee is payable. Where you pay by Centrepay, your deductions continue until the full fee is paid. A place in a later course is a new enrolment, and the course fee applies to it.
Drive Blue understands that emergencies happen — for example serious illness, a death in the family or sorry business, or road closures and flooding. Any waiver or reduction of the fee is at the discretion of the Director only. Ask in writing, to the same email address or phone number, within 7 days of the course, and include any information that supports your request. A waiver is not automatic.
If Drive Blue cancels or reschedules your course, you will be told as early as possible and offered a new date or a refund of the amount you have paid.
Nothing in this policy limits any right you have under the Australian Consumer Law. If you have a concern about a fee, please contact Drive Blue first; you can also make a complaint under our Feedback and Complaints policy.
Policy 02B
Remote and regional training is quoted for each booking. The terms in your quote apply first; these terms apply where the quote is silent. Effective 18 October 2026.
The invoice is payable within 7 days of its date and before the first training day. We book travel when your purchase order or payment arrives. The travel price is fixed when you accept the quote.
Tell us in writing at enquiries@driveblue.com.au. We count business days from the day after we receive your notice up to the day before your first training day. Weekends and Darwin public holidays are not counted, and notice we receive after 5 pm Darwin time counts from the next business day. 5 or more business days: no charge on the training fee. 2 to 4 business days: 50% of the training fee. Less than 2 business days, or the group does not attend: 100% of the training fee.
If the training is cancelled and not rescheduled, you pay the non-refundable travel costs we have already incurred. If it is rescheduled, booked travel is moved to the new dates where the airline or hotel allows, and you pay only the cost of the change: change fees, any fare difference and any non-refundable nights lost. Travel that cannot be moved is charged in full.
If weather, an official warning, flooding, a road closure or airline disruption stops the training before our trainer arrives, we reschedule it with no charge on the training fee, and travel costs are charged as above. Once our trainer has arrived, the full training fee is payable.
If we cancel for a reason within our control, we offer to reschedule to the next available opportunity at no extra cost to you. If you cannot use the dates offered, we refund what you paid for training and travel not delivered.
Each example assumes no public holiday falls in the period unless it says so.
Example 1. Training starts on a Monday.
| Drive Blue receives the written notice | Business days counted | Training fee |
|---|---|---|
| By 5 pm on the Friday, 10 days before | Monday to Friday of the week before: 5 | No charge |
| After 5 pm on that Friday, or that weekend | Counts as received on the Monday, so Tuesday to Friday: 4 | 50% |
| The Monday, 7 days before | Tuesday to Friday: 4 | 50% |
| The Wednesday, 5 days before | Thursday and Friday: 2 | 50% |
| The Thursday, 4 days before | Friday: 1 | 100% |
| The Friday or the weekend just before | None: 0 | 100% |
Example 2. Training starts on a Wednesday.
| Drive Blue receives the written notice | Business days counted | Training fee |
|---|---|---|
| By 5 pm on the Tuesday, 8 days before | Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, then Monday and Tuesday: 5 | No charge |
| The Wednesday, 7 days before | Thursday and Friday, then Monday and Tuesday: 4 | 50% |
| The Friday, 5 days before | Monday and Tuesday: 2 | 50% |
| The Monday, 2 days before | Tuesday: 1 | 100% |
| The Tuesday, the day before | None: 0 | 100% |
Example 3. A public holiday in between. Training starts on Thursday 6 May 2027, and Monday 3 May 2027 is the May Day public holiday. Notice received on Wednesday 28 April counts Thursday 29 April, Friday 30 April, Tuesday 4 May and Wednesday 5 May: 4 business days, so 50%. Notice received by 5 pm on Tuesday 27 April counts 5 business days, so there is no charge.
Simple rule for clients. For no charge on the training fee, written notice must reach Drive Blue by 5 pm Darwin time, 6 business days before the first training day, counting back weekdays and skipping public holidays. For a Monday start that is the Friday 10 days before; for a Wednesday start, the Tuesday 8 days before.
Policy 03
In advance, or on the day of your session before it starts. This applies to every lesson, test and appointment. Unless we have agreed another arrangement in writing, a session does not go ahead unpaid. Card through our booking system, bank transfer, Centrepay for approved services, or another agreed method. On the day, pay by card through our booking system or the payment link we send you. Bank transfers and Centrepay need to be made in advance, not on the day.
If a deposit is needed, we tell you the amount before your booking is confirmed. With the required notice it moves to your new booking or is refunded within 5 business days.
Organisations are invoiced on 7-day terms unless the quote or agreement says otherwise. Remote and regional bookings are paid before the first training day.
Public holidays are by agreement, and any surcharge is stated before you book.
Our services come with guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law. If a service fails a guarantee, you are entitled to a remedy. Delivered sessions are not refunded for a change of mind. Ask for a refund in writing; we decide within 10 business days and pay within 5 business days to your original payment method.
Price changes are advised before your next booking is confirmed. Prices agreed in writing for a package are honoured for that package.
Policy 04
Drive Blue is committed to delivering professional, respectful and safe services. All clients are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that supports a positive and productive learning environment.
All clients are expected to treat Drive Blue instructors and staff with courtesy and respect at all times. Aggressive, threatening, abusive or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in the immediate termination of a session, cancellation of future bookings and, where appropriate, notification to relevant authorities.
Clients must not attend any session if they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to drive safely or participate in a program. Drive Blue instructors reserve the right to refuse to commence or continue a session where a client appears unfit to participate. A full session fee applies in these circumstances.
Clients must provide accurate and truthful information when making a booking, completing enrolment in any program or providing information relevant to their licensing history, medical status or driving experience. Drive Blue relies on accurate information to deliver appropriate services safely.
Clients are expected to treat Drive Blue vehicles with care and respect. Any damage caused by a client through reckless, careless or deliberate conduct may result in the client being held liable for the cost of repairs.
Clients are expected to be ready to commence their session at the agreed start time. Consistent late arrival is disruptive to the delivery of services and may be addressed under Policy 01 (No-shows and Late Arrival) where sessions cannot be delivered as scheduled.
Clients must follow the reasonable directions of Drive Blue instructors at all times during a session. Refusal to follow instructor direction on safety grounds may result in the termination of the session with the full fee applicable.
Policy 05
The safety of clients, instructors and other road users is the highest priority at Drive Blue. This policy sets out the minimum health and safety standards that apply to all sessions.
All occupants of a Drive Blue vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times when the vehicle is in motion. A session will not commence until all occupants are correctly seatbelted. Failure to comply will result in the immediate termination of the session with the full fee applicable.
Clients must disclose any medical condition, physical impairment, visual impairment or other health matter that may affect their ability to drive safely prior to commencing any training or assessment. Drive Blue reserves the right to decline to provide services where a health or safety risk has been identified.
Clients taking any medication that may impair driving ability must advise Drive Blue prior to their session. Where a client is unsure whether a medication affects driving, they should seek advice from their treating health professional before attending a session.
Drive Blue training vehicles are fitted with dual controls for the safety of the client and instructor. Clients must not interfere with or attempt to disable any safety feature of the vehicle.
Drive Blue vehicles are maintained to a high standard and are regularly inspected for safety and roadworthiness. Where a vehicle issue is identified, Drive Blue will reschedule the session and notify the client as soon as practicable.
Any incident, near-miss or safety concern occurring during a Drive Blue session must be reported to the instructor immediately. Drive Blue will document and review all incidents to support continuous improvement and client safety.
Policy 06
Drive Blue is committed to continuous improvement and values client feedback. All complaints are taken seriously and addressed in a timely, fair and professional manner.
Clients are encouraged to provide feedback — positive or constructive — at any time. Feedback can be provided verbally to the instructor, by email to joshua.blake@driveblue.com.au or by phone on 0413 198 025. All feedback is used to improve service quality.
Where a client has a complaint about the service they have received, they should contact Drive Blue as soon as possible following the event giving rise to the complaint. Complaints can be made in writing by email or verbally by phone. Drive Blue will acknowledge receipt of a complaint within 2 business days.
After your course, you can tell us how it went using our course feedback form. To make a complaint, please contact Drive Blue by email or phone as set out above, so it can be acknowledged and handled under this policy.
Drive Blue will investigate all complaints promptly and fairly. The client will be kept informed of progress and the outcome. Drive Blue aims to resolve all complaints within 10 business days of receipt. Where a complaint requires more time to resolve, the client will be advised of the expected timeframe.
Where a complaint cannot be resolved to the client's satisfaction, the client may seek further assistance through the relevant consumer protection body or fair trading authority in the Northern Territory.
Drive Blue will not take adverse action against any client who makes a genuine complaint in good faith. The complaints process is designed to be accessible, fair and constructive for all parties.
Policy 07
Drive Blue is committed to providing services that are inclusive, respectful and accessible to all people, regardless of background, culture, identity or circumstance.
Drive Blue provides services to all people on an equal basis regardless of age (where licensing eligibility requirements are met), gender, sexual orientation, cultural background, nationality, religion, disability or socioeconomic status. No person will be refused service on the basis of a protected characteristic.
Drive Blue acknowledges the diversity of communities across the Northern Territory and is committed to delivering services in a culturally respectful and sensitive manner. This includes respectful communication, acknowledgement of cultural protocols where relevant, and a flexible approach to service delivery for remote and community-based clients.
Drive Blue will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of clients with a disability, hearing impairment, vision impairment or other access requirement. Clients who require adjustments are encouraged to advise Drive Blue at the time of booking.
Drive Blue recognises that English may not be the first language of all clients across the NT. Where possible and appropriate, Drive Blue will explore options to support clients whose primary language is not English. Clients requiring interpreter support are encouraged to discuss this at the time of booking.
Discrimination, harassment, vilification or disrespectful conduct directed at Drive Blue instructors or staff on the basis of any protected characteristic will not be tolerated and may result in the immediate termination of services.
Policy 08
Drive Blue is committed to protecting the privacy of all clients and handling personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.
Drive Blue collects personal information necessary to provide its services, including name, contact details, date of birth, licensing history and, where relevant, health information. This information is collected directly from the client at the time of booking or enrolment.
Personal information collected by Drive Blue is used solely for the purpose of delivering services, managing bookings, communicating with clients and meeting any regulatory or reporting requirements. Drive Blue does not sell, share or disclose personal information to third parties except where required by law or with the client's explicit consent.
Personal information is stored securely and access is limited to authorised personnel only. Drive Blue takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Drive Blue stores its records of services and programs within Australia. Some functions are supported by third-party platforms (including email, scheduling and payment services) whose servers may be located overseas, including in the United States; where information is processed overseas, Drive Blue takes reasonable steps under Australian Privacy Principle 8 to ensure it is handled consistently with the Australian Privacy Principles.
For Back on Track and other structured programs where records are required for licensing or regulatory purposes, Drive Blue will retain records in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Clients will be advised of any reporting obligations at the time of enrolment.
Clients have the right to request access to the personal information held by Drive Blue and to request corrections where information is inaccurate. Requests can be made by contacting Drive Blue at joshua.blake@driveblue.com.au.
For further information about Drive Blue's privacy practices, please refer to the Privacy Policy page or contact Drive Blue directly.
Policy 10
The Northern Territory experiences significant seasonal weather events. Drive Blue is committed to the safety of clients and instructors and will not deliver sessions where conditions present an unacceptable safety risk.
Drive Blue instructors have the authority to cancel or suspend any session where weather or road conditions present a risk to the safety of the client, instructor or other road users. This includes, but is not limited to, flooding, cyclonic conditions, severe storms, smoke and extreme heat.
During a cyclone watch, sessions may go ahead at your trainer's discretion. If we cancel, there is no charge; if you cancel, the 24-hour rule in Policy 02 applies. When a cyclone warning covers your area, we stop all lessons and tests and rebook them after the authorities give the all clear, at no charge. If a severe weather or flood warning, or a road closure, covers your area or route at the session time, you can cancel with no charge. For other weather, the 24-hour rule in Policy 02 applies, and the Director may waive the fee.
Where Drive Blue cancels a session due to extreme weather or unsafe conditions, the client will be notified as early as possible and offered a full reschedule at no additional charge. No cancellation fee will apply.
During the Northern Territory wet season (approximately November to April), road flooding and other weather events may affect session availability, particularly for regional and remote delivery. Drive Blue will communicate proactively with affected clients.
Policy 11
Drive Blue operates a strict zero-tolerance approach to alcohol and drug use in connection with all service delivery. The safety of clients, instructors and other road users is non-negotiable. This policy applies to all Drive Blue clients, participants and, where relevant, stakeholders.
Drive Blue operates on a zero-tolerance basis with respect to alcohol and drug use in connection with any session. No client may attend, participate in or operate a vehicle during any Drive Blue session if they are under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication that impairs driving, illicit substances, or any other substance that affects cognitive or physical function relevant to safe driving.
By attending a Drive Blue session, clients implicitly declare that they are not under the influence of alcohol or any impairing substance. Drive Blue instructors are trained to identify indicators of impairment. Where an instructor has reasonable grounds to believe a client is impaired, the session will not proceed.
Where Drive Blue reasonably suspects a client is affected by alcohol or drugs, the instructor will refuse to commence or will immediately terminate the session. The full session fee will apply. The client will be offered safe transport options where appropriate. Drive Blue will not place any person in a vehicle where impairment is suspected.
Clients taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may affect concentration, reaction time, coordination or alertness must disclose this to Drive Blue prior to the session. Drive Blue may consult with the client about whether it is safe to proceed and may defer the session where a risk is identified. Clients are responsible for seeking advice from their prescribing health professional about driving suitability.
Participants enrolled in the Back on Track — Drink and Drug Driver Education program are subject to specific participant conduct requirements as part of that program. These requirements will be communicated at enrolment and form part of the program agreement. Attendance whilst affected by alcohol or drugs will result in immediate removal from the session and may affect program completion status.
Where Drive Blue is contracted to deliver services for a government agency, justice service, NGO or employer and a reporting obligation exists in relation to a participant's fitness to participate, Drive Blue will comply with those obligations in accordance with the terms of the relevant agreement.
Drive Blue recognises that alcohol and other drug issues are health matters. Where it is appropriate and within the context of service delivery, Drive Blue may provide information about support services available to clients. Drive Blue does not provide counselling or clinical AOD services outside its formal behaviour change programs.
Policy 12
Drive Blue is committed to delivering a high-quality, professional learning environment. The following expectations apply to all people receiving services from Drive Blue — whether as a learner driver, program participant, assessment candidate or workshop attendee. These expectations exist to ensure sessions are productive, safe and respectful for everyone involved.
Learners are expected to arrive for their session prepared and ready to engage. This means being well-rested, having eaten, carrying your current learner licence or relevant documentation, and being mentally ready to focus. Sessions cannot be fully utilised when a learner arrives unprepared or distracted by other concerns.
Effective instruction depends on honest communication. Learners are expected to tell their instructor if they are unsure, confused, anxious or uncomfortable. There is no expectation of perfection — making mistakes is part of learning. What matters is being open about what you do and do not understand so the instructor can tailor support effectively.
Learners must follow the reasonable directions of their Drive Blue instructor at all times during a session. This includes directions about vehicle operation, road positioning, speed, technique and session conduct. Instructor directions are given in the interest of safety and learning. Repeated failure to follow direction may result in the session being terminated.
Learners are expected to communicate respectfully at all times. Swearing, aggressive language, shouting, intimidating behaviour or disrespectful comments directed at the instructor or other road users are not acceptable. Drive Blue instructors have the right to end a session immediately where a learner's conduct is inappropriate.
During a session, the learner's full attention must be on the task of driving or learning. Mobile phones must be silenced and stored. Conversations about unrelated topics, listening to loud music, or other distractions that affect the quality or safety of the session are not appropriate.
Learning to drive can be challenging and frustrating. Learners are encouraged to acknowledge frustration and communicate it to their instructor — but expressing frustration through aggressive driving, raised voices, door-slamming or other inappropriate behaviour is not acceptable and will result in the session being paused or terminated.
Drive Blue vehicles are professional training tools. Learners must treat them with care. Eating or drinking in the vehicle (other than water), slamming doors, placing feet on seats, or any other conduct that damages or defaces the vehicle is not acceptable. Any damage caused by a learner's conduct may be the subject of a repair cost claim.
Punctuality shows respect for the instructor's time and ensures the full value of the session is available to the learner. Learners should aim to be at the agreed pick-up point or location 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. Consistent lateness will be managed in accordance with Policy 01 (No-shows and Late Arrival).
Learners must provide accurate information about their licence status, driving history, prior suspensions, medical conditions and any other matter relevant to their eligibility to drive. Providing false or misleading information to Drive Blue may result in the immediate cancellation of services.
Drive Blue is a professional service, not a social setting. Learners are expected to approach each session with a willingness to learn, a respectful attitude toward their instructor, and a commitment to the work of developing safe driving skills. A positive, engaged attitude makes a significant difference to the quality and pace of learning.
Drive Blue commits to treating every learner with patience, professionalism and respect; providing structured, clear and constructive instruction; adapting to individual learning styles and needs; maintaining a calm and supportive environment; and providing honest feedback that helps learners improve. These expectations are mutual — Drive Blue holds itself to the same standard of conduct it expects from its clients.
Contact Drive Blue directly — we are happy to clarify any of the above or discuss your specific circumstances.
Policy 09
Mobile Devices and Distraction Policy
The use of mobile devices and other distractions during a Drive Blue session is strictly prohibited. Distracted driving is a leading cause of road trauma in the Northern Territory and Australia.
Mobile Devices During Sessions
Clients must not use a mobile phone or any other electronic device while operating a Drive Blue vehicle, except where a device is legally mounted and used in a hands-free navigation mode. The instructor may direct the client to pull over and secure any device causing a distraction.
Instructor Notification
Where a client expects an urgent call or message during a session, they should advise the instructor prior to commencing. The instructor may arrange a safe stopping point if the client needs to use their phone.
Recording and Photography
Clients must not photograph, film or record any Drive Blue session, the instructor, or other road users without the prior written consent of Drive Blue. Drive Blue may take photographs or video during sessions for training, assessment or marketing purposes with client consent.
Social Media
Drive Blue does not authorise the use of its name, logo, vehicles or staff images in client social media posts without prior written consent. Positive reviews and testimonials are always welcome through official channels.