Benson School of Motoring’s Big Court Blow-Up…

Well, buckle up, because the recent court drama starring Benson School of Motoring was quite the ride-complete with bullying, bizarre remarks, and a ruling that shook the motoring world like a learner driver stalling at the first roundabout.

In late 2020, around 20 instructors working under franchise contracts with Benson decided enough was enough. They sued-not for money, but to escape an “overbearing,” “intimidatory” environment, with one instructor even warning of fears Benson might come after her with a gun (yikes!). The High Court agreed and handed down judgment in early August 2025: these instructors were free to walk away from their contracts-no strings attached. Benson’s counterclaims-running into six figure sums-were dismissed entirely (ICLG Business Reports).

The court didn’t mince words. ⚖️Mr Justice Freedman highlighted the lack of good faith and trust, describing Benson’s conduct as “belligerent,” rife with demeaning, even racist, remarks—and the contracts, though framed as franchises, came off more like chains than freedoms (ICLG Business Reports). In short, the system was broken-and the instructors bravely drove themselves out.

Now, as Britannia Driving School, we won’t say “told you so”… but, um, we did quietly send cakes and sympathy ears when the headlines broke.

Because here’s the thing-we’ve built our reputation on respect, professionalism, and a dose of good humour-not fear or intimidation. Our instructors aren’t contract-trapped franchisees; they’re skilled professionals who love teaching and do it with warmth (and birthdays are rarely followed by lawsuits).

Like our wonderful, endlessly patient lady instructor Samai, teaching in SE25 and SW16. She’s the kind of instructor who can calmly guide a learner through starting on a hill, all while explaining the strategic art of mirror-use-and then cheer them up when they stall (again). She doesn’t need restrictive contracts or corporate yells-just patience, a friendly nudge, and maybe a well-timed joke about cyclists.

Contrast that with Benson’s nightmare contracts-locking people in, controlling their fee structure, even dictating branding-and you’ll see why the court stepped in. Britannia, by comparison? We believe in fair, flexible contracts, transparent operations, and supporting our instructors-because happy instructors mean confident learners.

So here’s what students and instructors alike can count on at Britannia:

• Real freedom to teach and learn without contract headaches.
• Zero intimidation-only encouragement and guidance.
• Family-like atmosphere, especially with gems like Samai in South Norwood SE25 and Streatham SW16.
• A brand built on trust, not tension.

In conclusion: the Benson case was a legal wake-up call about how not to run a driving school. At Britannia, we’ve got no wild lawsuits on the horizon-or hidden fees, or dodgy contracts-just genuine, respectful instruction and driving success with a smile. And maybe cake, but only if you’re good.