Learning to drive is a pivotal and exciting moment in a child's journey into adulthood, but for some it has lead to harm by adults they should have been able to trust.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 is a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to protect and uphold the rights of vulnerable individuals in their interactions with those who hold a position of trust. However, there remains a significant flaw within its current scope; the Act does not extend the 'position of trust' classification to include professions such as driving instructors and private tutors. 

This omission leaves thousands of young people at potential risk of exploitation and abuse by individuals in these roles. Driving instructors and tutors often work with minors in one-on-one settings where trust is inherent but unchecked by this legal safeguard. Driving instructors have access to children's personal phone numbers, addresses and are alone with them for long periods of time. Their influence over their students is profound, creating a dynamic where manipulation or coercion could occur without legal repercussions.

Gov.UK estimates that 500,000 children are sexually abused each year. It is imperative that our legal frameworks evolve to match the changing dynamics of educational and instructional relationships to better protect children from harm.

FearFree's Emergency Stop campaign calls on the government to amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to expand the definition of 'position of trust' to encompass driving instructors and private tutors and protect our children from harm.

Join us in demanding this vital legislative change. Sign the petition and help us ensure that our laws adequately protect those most vulnerable to exploitation.