Cookie and Similar Technologies Policy

This policy explains the cookies and similar technologies we use on the DriveBuddy website, web app and mobile app (iOS and Android), what they're for, and how you can control them. It sits alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains what we do with personal information more generally.

"Cookies and similar technologies" covers:

• cookies in your browser
• local storage and session storage in your browser
• information our mobile app stores on your phone, such as sign-in tokens and settings
• software tools (SDKs) built into the app that store or read information on your device

The same principles apply everywhere. We only use what's strictly necessary without asking you. Everything else needs your choice first.

We use these technologies to keep you signed in, to keep payments secure, and, only if you allow it, to understand how DriveBuddy is used so we can improve it. We don't use advertising cookies or your phone's advertising ID, we don't track you across other companies' websites or apps, and we don't share your data with advertisers.

3.1 Website and web app

Strictly necessary. These make the service work. Without them you can't sign in or pay, so they can't be switched off.

Stripe sets cookies on pages with payment functionality as part of its fraud prevention. That's a security function, not advertising.

Analytics. These help us understand how DriveBuddy is used: which features people reach, where they get stuck, what breaks. They are off until you accept them.

Our analytics run in the European Union and are first-party only. We use them to improve DriveBuddy itself, not to track you across other websites or apps, and we don't build advertising profiles.

Preferences.

3.2 Mobile app

The DriveBuddy mobile app doesn't use browser cookies. It does store information on your phone and uses a small number of software tools.

Strictly necessary. These can't be switched off while you use the app.

Analytics. The mobile app doesn't currently run any analytics. If we add them, we'll ask for your choice first and update this policy before they go live.

Features you switch on.

Notifications, location sharing and photo or camera access only work if you allow them in your phone's own settings. Location sharing is off by default.

3.3 What we don't use

No advertising cookies or advertising IDs. No third-party tracking pixels. No social media trackers. No crash reporting SDKs. No device fingerprinting. If we add anything in these categories, we'll update this policy and ask for your consent where the law requires it, before it goes live.

Website and web app. Our cookie banner lets you accept or reject non-essential cookies when you first visit. You can change your mind at any time using the cookie settings link in the footer. Your browser also lets you block or delete cookies. Blocking all cookies will stop you signing in, and blocking Stripe's cookies may stop payments working.

Mobile app. The app doesn't currently run analytics, so there's no analytics choice to make. Notifications, location and photo access can be switched off in your phone's settings. Signing out removes your sign-in from your phone, and so does deleting the app. You can also delete your account.

Everywhere. Strictly necessary items can't be turned off, because the service doesn't work without them.

For learners under 18 we collect less analytics data as standard. Section 9 of our Privacy Policy explains what else is different.

We'll update this policy when our use of these technologies changes. Every version has a number and a date.

Questions about this policy: support@drivebuddy.uk.

To complain about how we've handled your data, email the same address with "Data protection complaint" in the subject line. We'll acknowledge within 30 days. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.