We, Morgane and Phoebe, are two of five young women who were involved in the criminal conviction of our driving instructor in October 2024 for sexual assault. Although he was found guilty, our instructor was given a suspended sentence and will likely not serve time in prison for his crimes against us.

We were not just his students, but also young women and children, vulnerable and in need of protection. But the lack of regulations failed us.

You can learn more about our case here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgngpv2z8yo

Our painful experience brings to light an important discrepancy within the UK legislation. The Sex Offences Act of 2003 recognises teachers, sports coaches, and religious leaders as holding 'Positions of Trust'. These individuals, due to their authority and influence over young people, are held to a higher standard within the law. Unfortunately, driving instructors are currently not included in this list, which leaves countless young learners at potential risk of abuse and without hope of justice.

According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, there are about 40,000 driving instructors in the UK, teaching hundreds of thousands of students annually. In 2018, there were 34 driving instructors who faced sanctions because of sexual misconduct with students. The actual number is likely much higher considering that many such crimes are unreported. (source: BBC News)

A Freedom of Information enquiry by the BBC revealed that more than 500 complaints of inappropriate or sexual behaviour by instructors had been made to the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) between 2020 and 2023.

You can learn more about other stories of Abuse of Trust by Driving Instructors here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq6ljzzlle6o

It's time to rectify this gap in legislation. Young learners, stepping out into the world, should not have to fear those entrusted with their safety and education. Driving instructors, as much as any other professional in a position of trust, should be held accountable for any abuse of this trust.

Please sign our petition to re-categorise driving instructors under 'Positions of Trust' within the Sex Offences Act 2003. Together, we can help to protect vulnerable learners and hold driving instructors to the same standards as other trusted roles.