Responding to the Freedom of Information request, the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency said: “The safety of learner drivers is our priority and we treat complaints extremely seriously and in confidence.
“We fully investigate any complaints about approved driving instructors (ADI), involving the police if necessary.
“Pupils are encouraged to report all incidents of inappropriate ADI conduct to us.”
But Watson’s victim said she would like to see more regulations in place to protect pupils, especially those under 18.
“He was in a position of power over me and even though he’s in a position of power the law doesn’t recognise him as in a position of trust – that needs to change,” she said.
‘Position of trust’ is a legal term that refers to certain roles and settings where an adult has regular and direct contact with children.
Examples of positions of trust include teachers, care workers, youth justice workers, social workers and doctors.
Currently to be an approved driving instructor an individual needs to be considered a ‘fit and proper’ person.
The DVSA will consider factors including whether a person has been barred from working with children or had any substantial complaints of inappropriate behaviour.
