Instructor Code of Conduct.

1. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

1.1 Professional Conduct

Instructors must conduct themselves in a courteous, respectful and professional manner at all times when:

• interacting with Learners and their families;
• communicating through the Platform;
• providing driving instruction;
• engaging with DriveBuddy staff or representatives; and
• representing themselves as a DriveBuddy Instructor.

1.2 Competency and Skill

Instructors must:

• provide competent, professional driving instruction to the best of their ability;
• maintain and continuously develop their instructional skills;
• set a good example through their own safe and lawful driving behaviour;
• adapt their teaching style to meet the individual needs and learning pace of each Learner; and
• provide clear, patient and constructive feedback during lessons.

1.3 Punctuality and Reliability

Instructors must:

• arrive at the agreed pickup location on time for each lesson;
• honour all confirmed bookings unless genuinely unable to do so;
• provide reasonable notice of any cancellation or rescheduling; and
• communicate promptly with Learners regarding any delays or changes.

2. LESSON DELIVERY

2.1 Full Service Delivery

Instructors must provide the full duration of driving instruction booked by the Learner. A 1-hour lesson must include at least 1 hour of driving instruction, and a 2-hour lesson must include at least 2 hours of driving instruction.

Lesson time must be dedicated to instruction and should not be reduced by:

• extended personal breaks;
• unnecessary administrative tasks;
• excessive conversation unrelated to driving instruction; or
• early termination without valid reason.

2.2 Lesson Disruptions

Where a lesson cannot be completed due to an accident, vehicle breakdown, illness, or other unforeseen circumstance, the Instructor must:

• inform the Learner immediately and explain the reason;
• offer options for rescheduling or rebooking;
• notify DriveBuddy through the appropriate Platform channels; and
• ensure the Learner is not left stranded in an unsafe location.

2.3 Payment Integrity

Instructors must not claim or accept payment for a lesson until the lesson has actually been provided. Marking a lesson as complete before it has occurred is a serious breach of this Code and may result in immediate removal from the Platform.

3. SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

3.1 Vehicle Standards

Instructors must ensure their vehicle is at all times:

• roadworthy and properly maintained;
• currently registered;
• equipped with functioning dual controls (where required by law);
• clean and presentable;
• free from hazards or obstructions; and
• compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

Instructors must notify DriveBuddy immediately if they intend to use a different vehicle and must not use an alternative vehicle until approval has been confirmed.

3.2 Licensing and Accreditation

Instructors must at all times hold and maintain:

• a current and valid driver's licence;
• a current and valid driving instructor licence/accreditation for their state or territory;
• a current Working With Children Check (where required); and
• any other licences, permits or authorisations required by law.

Instructors must notify DriveBuddy immediately if any licence, accreditation or check expires, is suspended, cancelled or otherwise becomes invalid.

3.3 Insurance

Instructors must maintain comprehensive motor vehicle insurance with public liability coverage of not less than $20 million and must provide evidence of such insurance upon request.

3.4 Work Health and Safety

Instructors must comply with all applicable work health and safety laws. This includes taking reasonable care for their own health and safety, as well as the health and safety of Learners and any other persons who may be affected by their conduct.

Instructors must not provide instruction while:

• under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• fatigued to a degree that impairs their ability to instruct safely;
• suffering from an illness or condition that affects their ability to instruct safely; or
• otherwise unfit to drive or provide instruction.

4. RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOUR

4.1 Anti-Discrimination

Instructors must not discriminate against any person on the basis of:

• race, colour, ethnicity or national origin;
• sex, gender identity or sexual orientation;
• age;
• disability;
• religion or political opinion;
• marital or relationship status;
• pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• family responsibilities; or
• any other attribute protected by law.

Discrimination is unlawful under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation.

4.2 Harassment and Bullying

Instructors must not engage in any form of harassment, bullying, intimidation or threatening behaviour. This includes, but is not limited to:

• sexual harassment or unwelcome sexual conduct;
• verbal abuse, insults or offensive language;
• aggressive or intimidating behaviour;
• persistent unwanted contact;
• sharing or distributing inappropriate content; or
• any conduct that would make a reasonable person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.

4.3 Appropriate Boundaries

Instructors must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with Learners at all times. This includes:

• avoiding inappropriate physical contact;
• refraining from personal relationships with Learners during the instructional relationship;
• keeping conversations professional and relevant to driving instruction;
• respecting the Learner's personal space and privacy; and
• being mindful that many Learners are young people who may be vulnerable.

5. PLATFORM INTEGRITY

5.1 Accurate Information

Instructors must ensure all information provided to DriveBuddy and displayed on the Platform is accurate, complete and up to date. This includes:

• qualifications and experience;
• licence and accreditation details;
• vehicle information;
• service areas and availability;
• pricing; and
• contact information.

Misrepresenting qualifications, experience or credentials is a serious breach of this Code.

5.2 Reviews and Feedback

Instructors must not:

• offer incentives or discounts in exchange for positive reviews;
• pressure, coerce or intimidate Learners regarding reviews;
• create fake or misleading reviews;
• retaliate against Learners who leave negative feedback; or
• attempt to manipulate the review system in any way.

5.3 Off-Platform Activity

Instructors must not solicit Learners to book lessons or make payments outside the Platform. This includes:

• offering discounts for off-platform bookings;
• sharing personal contact details for the purpose of arranging private lessons;
• accepting cash or direct payments; or
• encouraging Learners to leave the Platform.

Attempting to circumvent the Platform is a material breach of the Terms and this Code, and may result in immediate suspension or removal, forfeiture of pending payments, and legal action.

6. COMMUNICATION

6.1 Platform Communication

All communication with Learners regarding bookings, scheduling, payments, and lesson-related matters should be conducted through the Platform's messaging system, except where immediate safety or logistical coordination requires direct contact (such as confirming a pickup location on the day of a lesson).

6.2 Responsiveness

Instructors should respond to booking requests and messages in a timely manner. While we understand Instructors have busy schedules, prompt communication helps provide a better experience for Learners and supports the efficient operation of the Platform.

6.3 Professional Language

All communication must be professional, respectful and free from:

• offensive, abusive or threatening language;
• defamatory statements;
• discriminatory remarks; or
• inappropriate content of any kind.

7. TAX AND BUSINESS COMPLIANCE

7.1 Tax Obligations

Instructors are responsible for their own tax obligations, including:

• registering for and remitting GST if required;
• lodging income tax returns;
• maintaining appropriate records; and
• complying with all applicable tax laws.

DriveBuddy does not provide tax advice. Instructors should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their obligations.

7.2 Independent Contractor Status

Instructors acknowledge they operate as independent contractors and are responsible for their own business administration, superannuation, insurance and compliance obligations as set out in the Terms.

8. ENFORCEMENT

8.1 Reporting Concerns

If you become aware of any conduct that breaches this Code, or have concerns about safety or inappropriate behaviour, please report it to DriveBuddy immediately.

8.2 Investigation

DriveBuddy takes all reports seriously and will investigate concerns in a fair and confidential manner. During an investigation, DriveBuddy may suspend an Instructor's access to the Platform pending the outcome.

8.3 Consequences of Breach

Breach of this Code may result in:

• a formal warning;
• temporary suspension from the Platform;
• permanent removal from the Platform;
• withholding or forfeiture of pending payments;
• reporting to relevant authorities (where appropriate); and/or
• legal action.

The action taken will depend on the nature and severity of the breach, any prior breaches, and other relevant circumstances.

8.4 Grounds for Immediate Removal

DriveBuddy may immediately suspend or remove an Instructor without prior warning where the Instructor:

• engages in conduct that poses a safety risk to Learners or others;
• commits or is charged with a criminal offence relevant to their role;
• provides false or misleading information about their credentials;
• has their driving instructor licence suspended or cancelled;
• has their Working With Children Check revoked or invalidated;
• engages in serious or repeated breaches of this Code;
• engages in harassment, discrimination or inappropriate conduct; or
• attempts to defraud Learners, DriveBuddy or the Platform.

9. CHANGES TO THIS CODE

DriveBuddy may update this Code of Conduct from time to time. Notice of material changes will be provided via the Platform or email. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Code.

10. CONTACT

If you have questions about this Code of Conduct or need to report a concern, please contact us: