1. Introduction
Our Own Driving School is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the security of any personal data received from you. We strictly adhere to the requirements of applicable data protection legislation in Canada.
This privacy policy outlines the information we collect from you when you use our website or make an enquiry with us by telephone. As a data controller, we are required to provide information about who we are, why and how we use your data, and your rights over your data.
1.1 Who are we?
We are Our Own Driving School, located at 50 Baker Street, Thorold, L2V0J5, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada. You can contact us by post at the above address, by email at info@ourowndrivingschool.ca, or by phone at +1 (647) 937-6336.
1.2 Reasons for holding and using your personal data
We may use your personal data for the following purposes:
1. To provide you with our products or services or to facilitate your decision to purchase them:
- Communicating with you and maintaining records of interactions.
- Managing business operations.
- Collaborating with instructors or partners to deliver your purchased services.
2. For our legitimate interests:
- Enhancing our services and digital experience.
- Personalizing marketing offers and communications.
- Testing and improving our systems and customer service.
- Statistical and analytical purposes.
- Business operations, management and auditing.
- Sharing limited information with business partners when necessary.
3. To comply with legal obligations:
- As governed by applicable Canadian law.
2. How we use your information
2.1 When you submit an enquiry via our website or over the phone
2.1.1 What personal data do we collect?
We collect your name, address, gender, date of birth, phone number, email address, and relevant driving test information.
2.1.2 Why do we collect this information?
To respond to your enquiry and provide personalized service information
2.1.3 What do we do with your information?
We store your enquiry in our secure CRM and route it to the appropriate department. We do not use this information for automated decision-making.
2.1.4 If you consent to being contacted by Our Own Driving School
We may follow up via email, call, or SMS to answer your queries or offer services.
2.1.5 How long do we retain your information?
- General enquiries: Up to 30 days if no purchase is made.
- Instructor training: Up to 3 years.
2.2 When you purchase a service from us
2.2.1 What personal data do we collect?
We collect your name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, and (if applicable) your IP address and payment details (not stored).
2.2.2 Why do we collect this information?
To process your payment, deliver services, and fulfill contractual obligations.
2.2.3 What do we do with your information?
Your information is securely stored and only shared with essential service providers such as payment processors and review platforms (e.g., Trustpilot). Payment details are not retained.
2.2.4 How long do we retain your information?
We retain your data as long as you are an active customer plus 6 financial years.
2.3 When you use our mobile app
2.3.1 What personal data do we collect?
Similar to above: name, contact info, test dates/results, and IP address.
2.3.2 Why do we collect this information?
To fulfill services provided through the app.
2.3.3 What do we do with your information?
Data is stored securely within Canada or regions compliant with Canadian data standards.
2.3.4 Data retention
As long as your account is active plus 6 full financial years.
3. Your rights as a data subject
You have the right to:
- Request access to the data we hold on you.
- Correct inaccurate data.
- Withdraw consent at any time.
- Request deletion of your data (if no longer required by law).
- Request data transfer in machine-readable format.
To submit a request, contact us via info@ourowndrivingschool.ca.
4. Your right to complain
If you’re unhappy with how your data is used, please contact us first. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (https://www.priv.gc.ca/).
5. Updates to this Privacy Policy
We may update this policy to reflect changes to our services or legal obligations. We encourage you to review this page periodically for the latest information. The latest version is always dated at the bottom.