Who We Are
Grace 2 Grace School of Motoring ("we", "us", or "our") is a driving school based in Rainham, Essex. We provide automatic driving lessons across Essex and East London. For the purposes of data protection law, we are the data controller of the personal information you provide to us.
What Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following personal data about you:
- Identity and contact data: Name, address, email address, phone number, and date of birth.
- Booking and lesson data: Lesson history, progress records, test dates, and instructor notes.
- Financial data: Payment records and billing details (we do not store full card details).
- Photographs and video: Images taken on your test day for marketing purposes (with your consent).
- Communication data: Messages sent via WhatsApp, email, SMS, or our website contact form.
How We Use Your Data
We use your personal data for the following purposes:
Lesson Provision
To schedule lessons, arrange pick-ups, and track your driving progress.
Payments
To process lesson fees, block bookings, and refunds where applicable.
Marketing
To share pass photos and testimonials on our website and social media (with consent).
Safety & Legal
To comply with insurance, DVSA requirements, and legal obligations.
Legal Basis for Processing
Under UK data protection law, we rely on the following legal bases to process your data:
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AContract: Processing is necessary to fulfil our contract with you (providing driving lessons).
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BConsent: For marketing communications and publishing your photographs, we rely on your explicit consent.
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CLegal Obligation: Where required by law, insurance, or DVSA regulations.
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DLegitimate Interests: For internal record keeping and business administration.
Photographs and Marketing
We love celebrating your success. With your permission, we may take photographs of you holding your pass certificate and publish them on our website, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok), and promotional materials.
Your Choice: If you do not want your photograph taken or published, please tell us before your driving test. We will not photograph you without your knowledge.
By allowing us to take your photograph, you automatically grant Grace 2 Grace School of Motoring a perpetual, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, and publish that image for marketing purposes. You may withdraw this consent at any time by contacting us, though we cannot remove images already published by third parties.
Who We Share Your Data With
We respect your privacy and do not sell your personal data. We only share your information in the following limited circumstances:
- Payment processors: To securely handle card payments (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, or bank transfer providers).
- DVSA: Where required for driving test bookings or regulatory compliance.
- Insurance providers: In the event of an incident requiring documentation.
- Legal authorities: If required by law, court order, or to protect our rights.
How Long We Keep Your Data
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes we collected it for, including for legal, accounting, or insurance requirements. Generally:
- Lesson and contact records are kept for up to 3 years after your last lesson.
- Financial records are retained for 6 years to comply with tax laws.
- Marketing photographs are kept indefinitely unless you request deletion.
Your Data Protection Rights
Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the following rights:
Right to Access
Request a copy of your personal data.
Right to Rectification
Ask us to correct inaccurate data.
Right to Erasure
Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten").
Right to Restrict
Limit how we use your data.
Right to Portability
Receive your data in a portable format.
Right to Object
Opt out of marketing or photo use.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below. We will respond within one calendar month.
Data Security
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, loss, or destruction. This includes password-protected devices, encrypted storage where possible, and limiting access to your data to authorised personnel only. However, no internet-based service can be 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Cookies and Website Usage
Our website may use basic cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors interact with our site and to improve user experience. These cookies do not identify you personally. You can disable cookies through your browser settings at any time.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external sites (e.g., DVSA, social media platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party websites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before submitting any personal data.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or if you wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact us:
Grace 2 Grace School of Motoring
Rainham, Essex, United Kingdom
If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.
By using our services and providing your personal data, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.