Nova Scotia Driving School Shuts Down, Leaving Customers Without Lessons or Refunds
Marshall Law Driving Academy abruptly ceased operations in Nova Scotia, prompting the provincial government to cancel its license. Numerous customers report unfulfilled lessons, missing refunds, and a lack of communication from the owner.
Marshall Law Driving Academy has abruptly shut down, leaving several Nova Scotia families owed money for unfulfilled services. The Nova Scotia provincial government cancelled the driving school's license after receiving notice that it was ceasing operations.
A Facebook group titled "People Affected by Marshall Law Driving Academy" has gathered almost 200 members. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Atlantic Canada listed the business with a "D-" rating and noted it is not BBB Accredited. Julia Lewis, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Atlantic Canada, stated that complaints included failure to provide scheduled lessons, lack of refunds, and failure to provide completion certificates.
Several customers have detailed their experiences. Christine Giles alleges her son paid $1,100 via e-transfer on Oct. 6 for combined motorcycle and driving courses. Her son worked 36.5 hours to earn half the course fee. Giles said the owner ghosted them and refused to return the money.
Denise Sanford paid $475 for a Spartan course but received only two hours and 15 minutes of the five promised driving lessons. She reported repeated cancellations and no receipt.
Michael LeBlanc from Amherst, N.S., paid $995 for a course in Pugwash. His daughter found the class canceled upon arrival. LeBlanc said the owner failed to provide a refund despite promising one on Sept. 2.
Gary Andrea, communications advisor for the N.S. Public Works Department, confirmed the Registry of Motor Vehicles licenses driving schools and can consider previous business conduct under the Traffic Safety Act.
The owner of Marshall Law Driving Academy Inc. responded via text stating that privacy concerns prevented discussing specific clients but assured that currently enrolled clients would be completed. The owner did not respond to further requests for clarification or interviews.