Charlotte-area driver’s ed company sued over ‘unfair and deceptive’ practices

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A Charlotte-based driving instructor is being sued over alleged “unfair and deceptive” business practices.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson filed the suit against Courtney Brazil and NC Virtual Drivers Ed, LLC on Nov. 10.

In the suit, Jackson alleged Brazil’s company engaged in deceptive practices.

Among other things, the attorney general claimed Brazil and NC Virtual Driver’s Ed advertised to and specifically targeted young people and their families.

The company allegedly offered private and group driving lessons, as well as online instruction. However, in some cases, it was claimed that families paid NC Virtual Driver’s Ed for the supposed services but the company never delivered them. The state claimed the company further advertised immediate service when it knew it could not do so, and collected advance payments.

When refunds were requested, the attorney general claimed families were routinely ignored.

NC Virtual Driver’s Ed was also accused of regularly failing to deliver certificates showing students completed instruction.

The attorney general’s office said NC Virtual Driver’s Ed had its license to do business revoked in September, but continued to operate and at that point falsely claimed it was approved by the DMV.

“Young people and their families trusted this business to teach them how to drive,” Jackson said in a news release. “Instead, the business took their money and never gave them the lessons they paid for. We’re taking them to court to make sure they can’t do this anymore and to get justice for these families.”

Through the recently filed lawsuit, Jackson’s office requested restitution for families impacted, civil penalties, and a temporary restraining order against NC Virtual Driver’s Ed.

A copy of the full 50-page complaint can be read below.

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