1. Controller and contact
J Phillips, trading as Rate My Instructor, is the controller responsible for personal information handled through the app and website. Privacy requests can be sent to hello@ratemyinstructor.co.uk. Current public business information is set out in the Business Information page.
2. Information collected
Depending on how you use the service, we may collect your name, email address, mobile number, Firebase account identifier, general lesson area or postcode, optional current location used for a nearby search, saved instructors, reviews, ratings, review tags, reports, support messages, profile claims, private Learner Plus organiser data, Instructor Pro and Learner Plus entitlement information, and technical, security or reliability records. User image uploads are disabled. Passwords and full payment-card details are handled by the relevant authentication or app-store provider rather than being visible to Rate My Instructor.
3. Public reviews and private account links
Published reviews and reviewer display names may be visible to other users. We privately retain the link between a review and the reviewer account to enforce review limits, investigate misuse, handle complaints and provide the reviewer’s private activity history. Do not include private addresses, health information, school details or unnecessary personal information in a review.
4. Instructor information and sources
Instructor profiles may contain professional contact details, teaching area, transmission, gender where supplied, company information, profile status and review information. This information may come from the instructor, a user, a publicly available professional source or existing service records. Instructors can request access, correction, objection, restriction or removal through Help & Safety or email.
5. How information is used
We use information to create and secure accounts, provide search and map results, publish and manage reviews and profiles, save favourites, operate private Learner Plus tools, provide Instructor Pro features, process reports and support requests, prevent duplication and abuse, measure limited service interactions, maintain records and comply with legal obligations.
6. Lawful bases
We rely on contract where processing is necessary to provide an account or purchased feature; legitimate interests to operate a useful and trustworthy review platform, handle community profiles, prevent fraud, secure the service, improve reliability and resolve complaints; consent for optional device permissions where required; and legal obligation where records, action or disclosure are required by law. Legitimate interests are assessed against the rights and reasonable expectations of learners and instructors.
7. Location
Location permission is requested only when you choose a location-based feature. Current location or a general area may be used to display nearby instructors. Precise learner location is not intentionally shown publicly or used to create a public location history. You can deny or withdraw location permission in device settings.
8. Children and younger learners
The service may be accessed by 17-year-old learner drivers. Learner profiles are not public, precise learner location is not displayed, image uploads are disabled and the service does not currently use targeted advertising. Younger users should avoid sharing unnecessary personal information and seek help from a parent or guardian where appropriate.
9. Service providers and international transfers
Firebase and Google provide authentication, Firestore database and website-hosting services. Expo supports app development and delivery. Apple, Google and RevenueCat may process purchase and entitlement information. Apple Maps, Google Maps or related map services may process map and technical information. Providers may process data outside the UK under applicable contractual, adequacy or other recognised safeguards.
10. Sharing
We do not sell personal information. We may share limited information with service providers, app stores, professional advisers, regulators, courts, law-enforcement bodies or relevant parties where necessary to operate the service, process a purchase, investigate a complaint, protect a person or legal right, prevent misuse or comply with law.
11. Retention
Account information is generally kept while an account is active and for a limited period afterward where needed for security, dispute handling or legal obligations. Reviews may remain published after account deletion with the reviewer identity anonymised where needed to preserve the review record and platform integrity. Reports, complaints and moderation records are kept for as long as reasonably necessary to resolve the matter, demonstrate fair handling, prevent repeated abuse or meet legal requirements. Purchase and accounting records may be kept for legally required periods. Private Learner Plus data is deleted or anonymised when account deletion is completed, subject to lawful exceptions.
12. Your rights
Depending on the circumstances, you may have rights to access, correct, erase, restrict or receive personal information, and to object to processing based on legitimate interests. You may withdraw optional consent at any time. We may need to verify identity and may retain limited information where a lawful exception applies.
13. Complaints to the ICO
Please contact hello@ratemyinstructor.co.uk first so we can try to resolve a privacy concern. You also have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk.
14. Security
The service uses Firebase Authentication, Firestore security rules, access controls, validation and account checks. No system can be guaranteed completely secure. Use a strong password, protect your email account and report suspected unauthorised access promptly.
15. Changes
We may update this policy when the service, suppliers or legal requirements change. The current version and update date will be shown in the app and website. Material changes will be highlighted where reasonably appropriate.