Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 2025
1. Introduction
IMS Driving School ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our services or visit our website (https://imsdrivingschool.co.uk).
We are a data controller under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. Our registered address is Manchester, United Kingdom.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information You Provide
- Contact details: Full name, email address, phone number, home address
- Driving information: Previous driving experience, lesson preferences, instructor preferences
- Identification data: Provisional driving licence number, date of birth (for verification purposes)
- Payment information: Billing address and payment method details (processed by secure payment providers)
- Communication records: Messages, calls, and correspondence with our instructors and staff
2.2 Information We Collect Automatically
- Website usage data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent
- Location data: General location for lesson planning and instructor allocation
- Performance data: Lesson progress, test results, driving assessments
2.3 Information from Third Parties
- DVLA data: Licence status verification (with your consent)
- Payment processors: Transaction confirmation and fraud prevention data
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Service Provision
- Schedule and conduct driving lessons
- Assign appropriate instructors based on location and preferences
- Track your learning progress and provide feedback
- Process payments and manage your account
- Communicate about lessons, cancellations, and rescheduling
3.2 Legal and Safety Requirements
- Verify your eligibility to receive driving instruction
- Maintain records as required by DVSA regulations
- Ensure instructor and student safety through background checks
- Comply with insurance requirements
3.3 Marketing and Communications (with consent)
- Send promotional offers and driving tips
- Provide updates about our services
- Invite feedback and reviews
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data under the following legal bases:
- Contract performance: To provide driving lessons and related services
- Legal obligation: To comply with DVSA regulations and safety requirements
- Legitimate interests: To improve our services, prevent fraud, and ensure safety
- Consent: For marketing communications and optional services
5. Data Sharing and Recipients
5.1 When We Share Your Data
- Driving instructors: Your contact details and lesson information
- Payment processors: Stripe, PayPal for secure payment processing
- DVLA: For licence verification (with your explicit consent)
- Insurance providers: For coverage verification and claims processing
- Legal authorities: When required by law or court order
5.2 International Transfers
Some of our service providers may process data outside the UK. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through adequacy decisions or standard contractual clauses.
6. Data Retention
- Active students: Data retained during your learning period plus 2 years
- Qualified drivers: Basic records kept for 7 years for insurance purposes
- Marketing data: Until you withdraw consent or 3 years of inactivity
- Financial records: 7 years as required by HMRC
- Safety incidents: Permanently for regulatory compliance
7. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
7.1 Right of Access
Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
7.2 Right to Rectification
Correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal data
7.3 Right to Erasure
Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements)
7.4 Right to Restrict Processing
Limit how we use your personal data in certain circumstances
7.5 Right to Data Portability
Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
7.6 Right to Object
Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for marketing purposes
7.7 Right to Withdraw Consent
Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent
To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in Section 12.
8. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data:
- Encryption: Data encrypted in transit and at rest
- Access controls: Limited access on a need-to-know basis
- Regular audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
- Staff training: Regular data protection training for all personnel
- Secure systems: Industry-standard security protocols and firewalls
9. Cookies and Website Analytics
9.1 Essential Cookies
Necessary for website functionality and security
9.2 Analytics Cookies
Google Analytics to understand website usage (anonymised data)
9.3 Marketing Cookies
Track conversion and retargeting (with your consent)
You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie banner.
10. Age Restrictions
Our services are intended for individuals aged 16 and over (legal driving age). For students aged 16-18, we may require parental consent for certain communications.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes via email or website notice. The "Last updated" date at the top indicates when changes were last made.
12. Contact Information and Complaints
Data Protection Contact
Email: privacy@imsdrivingschool.co.uk
Phone: 0161 123 4567
Address: IMS Driving School, Manchester, UK
Your Right to Complain
If you're not satisfied with how we handle your personal data, you can lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
ICO Helpline: 0303 123 1113
Website: https://ico.org.uk
Address: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
Company Information
IMS Driving School
Registered in England and Wales
Email: imsdriving@gmail.com
Phone: 0161 123 4567