RouteBuddy Privacy Policy
Last updated: 12 October 2026
This policy explains how New Driver Programme Ltd, trading as RouteBuddy ("we", "us"), collects, uses, shares and protects personal data when you use the RouteBuddy – Driving Test Routes app ("the App") or our website routebuddy.co.uk ("the Site").
We are the data controller. New Driver Programme Ltd is registered in England and Wales (company number 09981078), registered office 3 Weekley Wood Close, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 1UQ. Contact: [privacy@routebuddy.co.uk].
1. Summary
- The App collects your precise location, including in the background while a route is running, to give turn-by-turn navigation on driving test routes.
- Location data is stored on our servers, linked to your account, for [12 months].
- We share location data only with Google Maps and HERE to provide maps and navigation.
- We do not sell your data or use your location for advertising.
- You can turn off location access at any time and ask us to delete your data.
2. Data we collect and why
| Data | Examples | Why we use it and lawful basis |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Precise GPS location, time, speed and direction of travel (App only) | Navigation and route features. Consent. See section 3. |
| Account | Name, email address, username | Creating and managing your account. Contract. |
| Purchases | Subscription and payment records. Card details are handled by Google Play or our payment provider, not stored by us. | Processing payments and keeping tax records. Contract and legal obligation. |
| Device and usage | Device model, operating system, app version, IP address, routes viewed and completed, crash logs | Running, securing and improving the App and Site. Legitimate interests. |
| Marketing preferences | Whether you have agreed to receive emails from us | Sending marketing emails. Consent, which you can withdraw at any time. |
3. Location data
What and when
With your permission, the App collects your device's precise location while the App is open. When you start a route, it also collects location in the background, including when the screen is off or you are using another app, until the route ends or you stop it. This keeps navigation running during a lesson or practice drive. We do not collect location in the background at any other time.
Before requesting background location, the App shows a notice explaining what is collected and why.
How we use it
To show your position on the map and give turn-by-turn directions along test routes.
[To save the routes you have driven and your progress for your chosen test centre.]
We do not use location data for advertising, profiling or any other purpose.
Storage and retention
Location data is sent over an encrypted connection to our servers and stored in our database linked to your account. We keep it for [12 months] from collection, or until you delete your account if sooner, and then delete it.
Sharing
Location data is shared only with Google LLC (Google Maps Platform) to display maps and HERE Global B.V. (HERE SDK) to calculate routes and provide navigation. See section 4.
Your control
You can change RouteBuddy's location permission in your device settings at any time. Choosing "Allow only while using the app" stops background collection, so guidance pauses when the App is not on screen. Choosing "Don't allow" stops all collection, and navigation will not work. You can ask us to delete your stored location history at any time without deleting your account.
4. Who we share data with
We share personal data only with service providers that process it on our behalf and under contract:
| Provider | Purpose | Data shared |
|---|---|---|
| Google LLC (Google Maps Platform) | Displaying maps | Location, device data |
| HERE Global B.V. (HERE SDK) | Route calculation and navigation | Location, device data |
| Google Play / payment providers | Processing payments | Purchase data |
| Hosting and IT providers | Storing data securely on our servers | All data categories above |
Google's privacy policy is at policies.google.com/privacy and HERE's is at legal.here.com/privacy.
We may also disclose data where required by law or as part of a sale or restructuring of our business, in which case the new owner must protect it in line with this policy. We do not sell personal data.
5. International transfers
Our servers are in the United Kingdom. Google and HERE may process data in the United States and the European Union. Where data leaves the UK, we rely on UK adequacy regulations, the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or the UK Addendum to the EU Standard Contractual Clauses, or the UK Extension to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework.
6. How long we keep data
- Location data: [12 months], or until account deletion if sooner.
- Account data: while your account is active, and deleted within 30 days of account deletion.
- Purchase records: 6 years, to meet UK tax law.
7. Security
We protect data with encryption in transit, access controls and secure hosting. Only staff and providers who need access to deliver our services can access it.
8. Deleting your account and data
You can delete your account [in the App under Settings > Delete account] or by emailing [privacy@routebuddy.co.uk]. We will delete your account and associated data, including location history, within 30 days, except purchase records we must keep by law.
9. Your rights
Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 you have the right to:
- access a copy of your data;
- correct inaccurate data;
- have your data deleted;
- restrict or object to processing;
- receive your data in a portable format;
- withdraw consent at any time, including for location, without affecting earlier processing.
Email us to use any of these rights. We will respond within one month. If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.
Users in the EU/EEA have the same rights under the EU GDPR and can complain to their local supervisory authority. Users in US states with privacy laws, such as California, can request access to or deletion of their data, and we use precise location only to provide the App's navigation features.
10. Children
RouteBuddy is intended for learner drivers aged 17 and over. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe a child has given us data, contact us and we will delete it.
11. Cookies
The Site uses cookies to work properly and, with your consent, for analytics. You can manage these through the cookie banner or your browser settings. The App does not use cookies.
12. Changes to this policy
We will post any changes on this page and update the date above. If a change significantly affects how we use your data, we will tell you in the App.
13. Contact us
Email: [privacy@routebuddy.co.uk]
Post: New Driver Programme Ltd, 3 Weekley Wood Close, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 1UQ, United Kingdom