Privacy Policy – Drive Automatic

Last updated: March 2026

At Drive Automatic, we take your privacy seriously and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use and store personal information when you interact with our website, book lessons, or participate in driving lessons with our instructors.

By using our website or booking lessons with Drive Automatic, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

1. Who We Are

Drive Automatic is a driving school providing automatic driving lessons and instructor training in the North East of England.

Drive Automatic is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

If you have questions regarding this policy you can contact us at:

Email: info@driveautomatic.co.uk
Website: www.driveautomatic.co.uk

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following information:

Personal Information

• Name

• Phone number

• Email address

• Address or location

• Driving licence information (where required for lessons)

Lesson Information

• Lesson bookings

• Progress notes

• Instructor feedback

• Test bookings or results

Website Data

• IP address

• Device information

• Website usage data through cookies or analytics tools

3. In-Car Cameras, Dash Cameras and Audio Recording

Some Drive Automatic vehicles are equipped with:

• Forward facing dash cameras

• Interior facing cameras

• Audio recording capability

These systems may record:

• Video footage inside and outside the vehicle

• Audio conversations within the vehicle

• Road conditions and surrounding traffic

• Driving behaviour and vehicle control inputs

Recording may occur during:

• Driving lessons

• Instructor training sessions

• Mock tests or test preparation lessons

4. Why We Use In-Car Recording

Recording systems may be used for the following purposes:

Safety and protection

• Protecting pupils and instructors

• Evidence in the event of road traffic incidents

• Investigating complaints or disputes

Training and quality improvement

• Instructor training and development

• Lesson review and feedback

• Improving teaching standards

Insurance and legal purposes

• Supporting insurance claims

• Providing evidence where required

Educational and promotional content
Occasionally, footage may be used for:

• Driving tips or educational videos

• Social media posts

• Marketing material for Drive Automatic

Where a pupil is clearly identifiable, consent will normally be requested before publishing footage.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data under the following lawful bases:

• Legitimate interests – ensuring safety, protecting instructors and pupils, and maintaining training standards

• Legal obligations – where required by law or insurers

• Consent – where footage is used for marketing or social media

6. Storage and Retention of Footage

Video and audio recordings are stored securely and access is restricted to authorised personnel only.

Footage is generally retained for:

• Up to 30 days for routine recordings

• Longer where required for:

  • insurance claims

  • legal matters

  • complaint investigations

After this period footage is automatically deleted or overwritten.

7. Sharing of Information

We may share relevant information with:

• Insurance companies

• Law enforcement agencies

• Legal representatives

• Regulatory bodies if required by law

We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties for unrelated marketing purposes.

8. Your Data Protection Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Request access to personal data we hold about you

• Request correction of inaccurate data

• Request deletion of your personal data where appropriate

• Object to certain types of processing

• Request restriction of processing

Requests should be made by contacting Drive Automatic using the details above.

9. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to help us understand how visitors use the website and to improve user experience.

You can control cookie settings through your browser.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or business practices. The latest version will always be available on our website.