The Instructor

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...

Join Terry Cook and Chris Benstead as they dive into the current landscape of driving instruction and the exciting developments on the horizon for 2025. They explore the impact of the driving test booking system changes proposed by the DVSA and discuss how these potential restrictions might affect instructors. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they reflect on the rise of national driving s...

Terry Cook welcomes listeners back to the Instructor Podcast with an exciting lineup featuring two distinct guests, Kevin Sellwood and Sarah Hall, who each bring their own unique perspectives and experiences from the driving instruction world. The episode kicks off with Terry discussing the purpose of the podcast: to enhance the skills of driving instructors and improve the operations of driving s...

Welcome to The Instructor Podcast Short Lessons – in these bite-sized episodes I dive back into the archives and pull out a nugget of information or inspiration to get you thinking –  today we’re heading back to September of 2021 and we’re digging into an Instructor Podcast Premium episode – The Standards Check Checklist – Ray Seagrave was the guest as we took a deep dive into “Did the traine...

Chris Bensted, Tom Stenson, and Stewart Lochrie join me in Part Two of our review of 2024. We take a look at all the news from the socind half of the year, plus I ask for some fails, wins, and industry highlights, and we share some very special Instructor Podcast awards. Links from the show: Bright Coaching The DITC 10 Minute Takeaway Milestones For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit...

As we wrap up 2024, this episode of the Instructor Podcast takes a reflective look at the year's highs and lows within the driving instructor industry. The main focus is on the positive strides made in embracing road safety and the increasing collaboration among trainers, ADIs, and PDIs. Guests Stewart Lochrie, Chris Bensted, and Tom Stenson share their insights, highlighting the influx of enthusi...

Get ready to dive into the world of social media for driving instructors with Keanan LA and Terry Cook. This conversation highlights the importance of utilizing platforms like TikTok to engage with younger audiences and promote road safety in a fun and relatable way. Keanan shares his journey from actor to road safety presenter, emphasizing that creating engaging content doesn't require perfection...

Driving instructors need to embrace the evolving technology of vehicles, especially as we move closer to autonomous driving. Terry Cook chats with Dr. Nick Reed, a leading expert in vehicle technology and road safety, about the crucial role instructors will play in the development and adoption of automated vehicles. They discuss the importance of understanding driver assistance systems, safety rat...

Choosing the right pupil for a Standards Check is crucial for driving instructors, and this episode gathers insights from 17 esteemed trainers on how to make that decision. The consensus is clear: instructors should select a pupil who genuinely needs to learn and can showcase their teaching skills effectively. Whether it's a learner who needs development or a partly trained driver, the right choic...

Get ready for a lively discussion as Terry Cook and Chris Bensted dive into the pet peeves that really get under their skin in the driving instructor world. From the annoyance of trainers boasting about their students' successes before the students even get a chance to celebrate, to the cringe-worthy spelling mistakes that can undermine professionalism, this episode covers it all. They explore the...

Today’s podcast dives into the fascinating world of in-car technology and its implications for driving instructors and learners alike. Vicky Folland joins Terry Cook to discuss the importance of embracing technology to enhance driving skills rather than replace them. They explore various tech features, such as cruise control, lane assist, and autonomous emergency braking, examining how these can m...

Season 9 of The Instructor Podcast is sponsored by MyDriveTime , the industry's premium, award-winning business management app. Sign up for The Instructor Podcast Newsletter Follow The Instructor Podcast WhatsApp channel To elevate your skills as a driving instructor, consider exploring our Premium subscription, where you'll discover top-notch training and some of the industry's finest trainers, f...

Terry Cook and Josh Holleran dive deep into their top online resources for driving instructors, sharing insights that can help elevate your teaching game. They explore a variety of tools, from Canva for creating eye-catching visuals to GoDaddy for establishing a professional online presence with your own website. With a sprinkle of humour, they discuss the significance of utilizing platforms like...

Driving instructors often juggle multiple responsibilities, and in this episode, we explore how technology can serve as a vital tool for self-care. Pascale Poppins joins Terry Cook to discuss practical ways instructors can automate processes, manage client pipelines, and reduce stress using tech solutions. From setting up automated responses to creating personalised welcome videos for new learners...

Terry Cook and guest Nick Smith dive into the evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), exploring the distinctions between manual, automatic, and electric driving experiences. They discuss how EVs are not only reshaping the way we drive but also challenging common misconceptions, such as concerns over battery reliability and environmental impact. They address myths surrounding EV technology, incl...

Host Terry Cook is joined byChris Bensted to engage in a lively discussion, they explore the impact of social media on professionalism within the field, highlighting the dangers of instructors sharing misleading content for clicks and views. The conversation also delves into the importance of maintaining high standards in driver training, emphasising that just because something is acceptable doesn...

Dan Hill, founder of My Drive Time, joins Terry Cook to discuss the evolution of technology in the driving instruction industry over the past decade. With a focus on moving from paper-based record keeping to digital solutions, Dan emphasizes the need for instructors to modernize their business practices to meet the demands of today's learners. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by in...

Emma Cottington and Chris Bensted were two of the presenters on show at the recent Intelligent Instructor and ADINJC Expo, and they were kind enough to allow me to record them. So on this episode, you'll hear those presentations and a quick chat with Richard Storrs taking a look at what's next for the Expo. For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/...

Join Terry Cook and a panel of six esteemed driving instructors as they dive into crucial discussions about the psychological aspects of driving and the challenges faced by new drivers. The conversation kicks off with an exploration of how instructors can help young learners build confidence and manage stress while navigating the roads. As they tackle a range of thought-provoking questions sent in...

his week on The Green Room Terry and Chris dive into the latest report from the DVSA including looking at test waiting times. Pay per mile is also discussed, along with whether wearing an Instructor Podcast t-shirt could help your chances of passing a Part 3 test. We also wrap up the listener questions from last month and finish by breaking down who we'd like to watch at the Expo. Check out the DI...