Bay Area Driving School Closes, Leaves Customers Stranded
SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) - Stanford Driving School abruptly shut its doors last month, with no warning.
That angers customers like Dan Boram, who paid close to $500 upfront for his daughter's lessons. Just as frustrating, Boram says he couldn't reach anyone connected with the school to find out what happened.
"The phone rang, and the mailbox was full, and when I went to the website, it just kicked back," Boram told Consumerwatch.
According to reports, the school was in the midst of a sale, but the deal fell apart. About a week after the closure, Stanford Driving School sent out letters saying it has been "forced to close," due to "financial matters beyond its control," but made no mention of refunds.
California's Department of Motor Vehicles says Stanford Driving School students should file a complaint on the DMV website.
The DMV licenses driving schools in California.
Customers who paid for instruction with a credit card should file a dispute with their card company.
Customers can also attempt to recoup their money though the school's bond company, Bankers Insurance Company of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Driving schools in California are required to post a bond of at least $10,000.
