1. Introduction
Welcome to Roots Driving School (“we”, “our”, “us”). We are committed to respecting and protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information when you interact with our website (rootsdrivingschool.co.uk) and when you enrol for driving lessons or related services.
By using our website or engaging our services, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
2. Data Controller & Contact Details
Roots Driving School is the data controller responsible for your personal information under UK data protection law.
Contact details:
Email: info@rootsdrivingschool.co.uk
Phone: 07778 44 52 52
Address: Reading, England, United Kingdom
If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your data, please contact us using the above details. You also have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data has been handled improperly.
3. Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following personal data:
- Personal details: your name, phone number, email address, and home address.
- Driving lesson details: type of lessons (manual or automatic), preferred schedule, lesson history, and progress.
- Payment details: records of payments (we do not store full credit/debit card information; this is handled securely by our payment processor).
- Website usage data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring pages, time spent on pages, and cookies.
- Marketing preferences: your consent to receive promotional updates or newsletters.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal data to:
- Provide and manage your driving lessons and related services.
- Process your bookings and payments.
- Communicate with you about lessons, schedules, cancellations, or driving test updates.
- Improve our website and services.
- Send marketing emails or offers (only if you have consented).
- Comply with legal and accounting obligations.
5. Legal Basis for Processing
We rely on one or more of the following legal bases under UK GDPR:
- Contract: to deliver the lessons or services you have booked.
- Legitimate interest: to manage operations and improve services.
- Legal obligation: to comply with tax or regulatory requirements.
- Consent: when you opt in for marketing communications.
6. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell or rent your personal data. However, we may share it with:
- Payment processors and accountants (for processing and record keeping).
- Driving test authorities (when booking or updating your driving test).
- IT or website service providers (for hosting, analytics, and communication tools).
- Government or law enforcement agencies if required by law.
All third parties are required to handle your data securely and only for the intended purpose.
7. Data Retention
We keep your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal obligations.
- Lesson and booking records are kept for the duration of your relationship with us and for a short period afterward.
- Financial records are kept for at least six years as required by tax law. After this period, your data is securely deleted or anonymised.
8. Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website uses cookies to enhance functionality and analyse traffic. Cookies do not identify you personally. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features of the site may not function properly if you do so.
9. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you.
- Correct or update inaccurate information.
- Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”).
- Restrict or object to data processing in certain cases.
- Withdraw consent for marketing at any time.
- File a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
To exercise these rights, contact us at info@rootsdrivingschool.co.uk.
10. Data Security
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. This includes using secure hosting, encrypted communications, and restricted data access.
11. Children & Under-18s
Our services are mainly for individuals aged 17 and above who hold a provisional driving licence. If you are under 18, we may require parental or guardian consent to process your information.
12. International Data Transfers
We primarily store and process your data within the UK. If your information is ever transferred outside the UK, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place in compliance with data protection laws.
13. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, the revised version will be posted on our website with an updated “Effective Date.” Please check this page regularly for any changes.
14. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact us:
Roots Driving School
Reading, England, United Kingdom
📧 info@rootsdrivingschool.co.uk
📞 07778 44 52 52