putting the brakes on abuse
Learning to drive is an exciting time, but for some young people it can leave them exposed to harm. Between 2020 and 2023 there were more than 500 complaints to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) about driving instructors inappropriate or sexual behaviour*.
We're campaigning for a change to the law to make driving instructors a Position of Trust. A Position of Trust is a legal term given to adults in certain roles and settings who have direct and repeated contact with a child. It is illegal for someone in a Position of Trust to engage in sexual activity with a child in their care, even if that child is over the age of consent (aged 16 years or over).
What we are asking for:
- The Sexual Offences Act (2003) to be amended to include driving instructors as Positions of Trust.
- Mandatory safeguarding training for driving instructors.
- The creation of an independent complaints body for the driving instructor industry.
Young people deserve every protection. Help us to drive change. Register to sign the petition below.
*Source BBC FOI
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