Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 03/19/2025

Empathetic Driving School (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled securely and in accordance with applicable data protection laws. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information when you use the Empathetic Driving School website (the “Site”).

By accessing or using the Site, you acknowledge and consent to the practices outlined in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

a. Personal Information

When you use our Site, we may collect and process the following personal information:

Full name
Email address
Location (if provided)
Account login details (if applicable)
Any additional information you provide when signing up, purchasing a service, or contacting us

b. Usage Data & Technical Information

We automatically collect technical and analytical data when you interact with our Site, including:

Pages visited
Time spent on the Site
IP address
Device information
Browser type
Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data

In compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR), we process personal data under the following legal bases:

Consent – When you explicitly agree to us processing your data (e.g., subscribing to newsletters).
Contractual Necessity – When processing is necessary to provide you with our services.
Legitimate Interest – For service improvement, fraud prevention, and analytics, where these interests do not override your rights.
Legal Obligation – When required by law or regulatory authorities.

3. How We Use Your Information

We process your information for the following purposes:

To provide and manage your user account
To improve and personalise your experience on the Site
To send you updates, newsletters, or promotional content (if you have opted in)
To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
To detect and prevent fraud or security issues

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails or by contacting us at becky@empathetic.co.uk.

4. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell or rent your personal information. However, we may share your data with:

a. Trusted Third-Party Service Providers

We use third-party service providers (e.g., hosting providers, payment processors, email services) to help us operate our Site. These providers only process your data according to our instructions and are contractually bound to protect it.

b. Legal & Regulatory Authorities

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and interests.

c. Business Transfers

If Empathetic Driving School undergoes a merger, acquisition, or business transfer, your personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction, ensuring the same level of protection.

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and tracking technologies to:

Enhance user experience
Analyse website performance
Remember your preferences

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. For more details, see our Cookie Policy.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for:

Service provision – while you have an active account
Legal compliance – as required by UK/EU regulations
Fraud prevention – maintaining security records

Once retention is no longer necessary, we securely delete or anonymise your data.

7. Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your data from:

Unauthorised access
Loss or misuse
Alteration or destruction

Despite our best efforts, no online platform can guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential.

8. International Data Transfers

We store and process personal data only within the UK and EU. If we ever need to transfer your data outside the UK/EU (e.g., for a third-party service provider), we ensure adequate safeguards are in place, such as UK GDPR Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

9. Your Rights Under UK/EU GDPR

As a user based in the UK or EU, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Right to Access – Request a copy of your personal data.
Right to Rectification – Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”) – Request deletion of your data (unless legally required to retain it).
Right to Restrict Processing – Limit how we process your data in certain situations.
Right to Data Portability – Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format.
Right to Object – Object to processing for direct marketing or legitimate interest purposes.
Right to Withdraw Consent – If processing is based on consent, you can withdraw it at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at becky@empathetic.co.uk. We will respond within one month as required by GDPR.

If you believe your data is being misused, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) or the relevant EU Data Protection Authority.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our Site is not intended for children under 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us, and we will take appropriate action.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or our practices.

Significant changes will be communicated via email or on our Site.
Minor updates will be reflected in the “Effective Date” at the top.

Your continued use of the Site after any changes indicates your acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Information

For any privacy-related inquiries or to exercise your rights, contact us at:

Email: becky@empathetic.co.uk

By using Empathetic Driving School, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy.