The Instructor

Terry Cook is joined by Terry Lefteri to explore the difference between teaching for the driving test and preparing learners for real-life driving. Drawing on years of experience and a background in coaching, Lefteri shares how his journey from instruction to coaching reshaped the way he works with learners. The discussion covers why focusing too much on the test can create pressure, how instructo...

In this fourth and final In Conversation With episode, Terry is joined once again by Diana Todd to explore the pitfalls and positives of social media in the world of driving instructors. Together they debate whether social platforms are more toxic than helpful, and how responsibility lies not only with those posting but also those consuming content. Diana reflects on how supportive communities can...

Terry is joined once again by Diana Todd to tackle an important topic: women in the driving instructor industry. Diana shares her perspective on why women remain an undervalued resource in what is still a male-dominated profession, and how qualities like compassion, empathy, and balance can bring huge value to both learners and instructors. Together, Terry and Diana explore why fewer women put the...

Terry continues his chat with Diana Todd, this time focusing on driving schools and the realities of running one. Diana explains why she initially resisted the idea of managing a school, and how partnering with Phil eventually led to launching Support Driving School. She opens up about the challenges of balancing fair franchise fees with meaningful training, the importance of genuine care in build...

Terry sits down with Diana Todd to explore her journey into the driving instructor world. Diana shares how the search for a better work-life balance led her from a high-pressure career into ADI training, just before the pandemic reshaped everything. She speaks openly about the challenges of qualifying, the reality of juggling family and work, and the lessons she learned along the way. The conversa...

In this episode of The Instructor Podcast , Terry is joined by Bob Morton and Chris Bensted for a full conversation about the Standards Check and Part 3. Together, they break down what the DVSA is really looking for, how the SC has developed from the old PST system, and why instructors often overcomplicate things. The discussion covers risk management, goal setting, common myths (like failing if y...

In this short lesson, we're diving back to my 2022 conversation with the brilliant Nik Oakes to demystify two often misunderstood marketing terms: copywriting and SEO. Nik breaks down what they really mean, why they matter for driving instructors, and how to use them effectively without getting lost in jargon. From understanding the difference between chatter and intention, to how using the right...

July was packed with ideas, insights, and “aha” moments — and in this episode I’m sharing my 5 biggest takeaways so you can skip the noise and head straight to the good stuff. To give you an extra taste, I’ve included a few short clips from our Premium‑exclusive shows so you can hear exactly the kind of deeper conversations and training our members get access to every week. We’ll cover: How to cut...

Today, we're diving into a fun episode dissection with business guru, Dino Tartaglia! We're all about asking better questions and figuring out how to charge what we're truly worth. You know, it’s not just about knowing the clutch from the brake pedal; it’s about understanding what our students really want: confidence, freedom, and maybe a little less stalling at traffic lights! So, whether you're...

In this special episode for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Terry Cook is joined by returning guest Jono Poon for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about the struggles many men face. They discuss why so many men find it hard to open up, the impact of cultural expectations, and how loneliness and comparison affect mental wellbeing. Jono shares personal stories and insights from his work...

In this powerful Short Lesson, we revisit a conversation from April 2022 with the inspiring Jono Poon. This bite-sized episode dives into the all-too-common fear of other people’s opinions, and how that fear can hold us back from living the life we actually want. Jono shares blunt but uplifting truths about why you don’t need anyone’s validation to chase your goals, try new things, or simply do wh...

In this Green Room episode, Terry Cook is joined by Chris Benstead and Stewart Lochrie for a lively and thought-provoking discussion about the latest developments in the driver training world. They reflect on upcoming events like the Intelligent Instructor Expo and the Meginar, before diving into the DVSA’s recent consultation on test booking changes - a topic that’s sparked plenty of debate. Chri...

In this episode of The Instructor Podcast , host Terry Cook kicks off the brand new monthly format with a powerful and timely discussion. He’s joined by Debbie Beadle, CEO of Fear Free, to explore the urgent need for safeguarding in the driver training industry. Debbie shares the story behind the “Emergency Stop” campaign, which calls for driving instructors to be legally recognised as being in a...

The Instructor Podcast is getting an overhaul, and Terry explains why and how in this episode. For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ For additional content and exclusive discounts, be sure to check out our Premium subscription - Here you'll find lots of extra content, including: Episodes on the Standards check and how to break down each individu...

For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ For additional content and exclusive discounts, be sure to check out our Premium subscription - Here you'll find lots of extra content, including: Episodes on the Standards check and how to break down each individual competency so you're fully aware of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to perform. Excl...

Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of wisdom with Terry Cook and our fabulous lineup of ADI Avengers! Today, we’re shaking things up with six incredible driving instructors: Chris Bensted Stewart Lochrie Emma Cottington Laura Morris Emma Fonnaland Kev Field They're here to tackle some burning questions in our signature “Six 4 Sixty” style. We’re kicking things off by finding out why each of these...

Today’s guest is Ray Seagrave, and we’re diving deep into his brand new book, "The Driving Instructor's Ultimate Guide to Client Centred Lessons." This episode is all about how to elevate your game as a driving instructor by focusing on client-centred learning and the importance of understanding your pupils as individuals. Ray shares how he’s crafted this book as a companion for both newly qualifi...

Today’s chat is all about taking a good, hard look at what’s going wrong in our driving instructor world—and guess what? We're not pointing fingers at everyone else! We’re diving into three big issues: road deaths, the driving test backlog, and the importance of continuing professional development (CPD). Instead of playing the blame game, we’re putting the spotlight on what *we* can do to make our...

There's some meaty news to get stuck into this month, including: The Convention Should an ADI be a position of trust? Driving and theory test changes We also take a look at the concept of 'binning' students. Check out the DVSA blog  and the BBC article You can find my safeguarding episodes here: Safeguarding Professionalism And find the DITC here For more information on The Instructor Podcast...

Today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of the new theory test updates that now include ADAS questions—yep, that’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. We’ll chat about how these changes could throw a curveball at driving instructors and learners alike, especially with the tech lingo that could leave some scratching their heads. Chris Bensted joins me to break down what instructors can do to inco...

Today, we’re diving deep into the “F Word” – and no, I’m not talking about your favorite swear word! We’re getting real about failure and how it’s not just a pitfall but a launchpad for growth. I’m joined by the wonderfully insightful Deucalion McGregor-Sims, who’s all about flipping the script on failure. We’ll tackle some juicy questions like, what does failure even mean? Spoiler alert: it’s all...

Dr Liz Box and the award-winning Chris Bensted join me to tackle all the latest news from within our driving instructor world and look at the key topic of why young people crash. Check out links from the episode: Theory Test Explained The DITC RAC Foundation CoPilot ADINJC NASP notes For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ For additional content a...

Pennie Alexander and Jacky High-Caston, join me on this special bonus episode of The Instructor Podcast as we discuss Driving Mobility and why they need ADIs. Take the survey here. For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ For additional content and exclusive discounts, be sure to check out our Premium subscription - Here you'll find lots of extra c...

We're diving into a super exciting chat about a brand new national driving school that’s all about giving instructors the support they truly deserve. Check out the Supprt Facebook page Phil Cowley and Diana Todd swing by to spill the tea on their fresh venture, aptly named Support Driving School, and let me tell you, it’s not just a catchy name! These two are on a mission to create an army of driv...

Today, we’re diving into the wild world of driving school marketing! Our guests, Phil Cowley and Will Stewart, are here to shake things up and share some fresh ideas that’ll get those student inquiries rolling in like a well-oiled engine. Phil kicks things off by reminiscing about the days of “buy one, get one free” lessons and how the game has changed post-COVID. Spoiler alert: it’s all about sta...