The Instructor

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...

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 March 2022 as I'm joined by Tracey and Kev Field who are talking about the way in which the industry has evolved to help and embrace pupils. Listen to the full episode here For more i...

Has CPD become toxic? What defines training? Is The Instructor Podcast training? All questions Laura Morris and I debate on the last episode of this season. Season 8 of The Instructor Podcast is sponsored by Bright Coaching - A training company for Approved Driving Instructors and Trainers. Thank you to Laura Morris for being the first guest on 'In Conversation With...' You can find GoGreen h...

Failure! What does it mean, how do we handle it, and where have we failed? These are just some of the points I dive into with Laura Morris on this episode. Season 8 of The Instructor Podcast is sponsored by Bright Coaching - A training company for Approved Driving Instructors and Trainers. Thank you to Laura Morris for being the first guest on 'In Conversation With...' You can find GoGreen he...

It's all about Road Safety on this latest episode of 'In Conversation with Laura Morris' Links from the show: The Honest Truth RoadPeace Brake ADIs to VZ Co-Pilot video Co-Pilot link Season 8 of The Instructor Podcast is sponsored by Bright Coaching - A training company for Approved Driving Instructors and Trainers. Thank you to Laura Morris for being the first guest on 'In Conversation With....

In this third episode, Laura and I look at professionalism within the industry and dive into where it needs to change, including the ways we may be falling short without even realising it. Season 8 of The Instructor Podcast is sponsored by Bright Coaching - A training company for Approved Driving Instructors and Trainers. Thank you to Laura Morris for being the first guest on 'In Conversation...

In this second episode, Laura and I discuss how we got into the industry, what we've learned along the way, and what we'd do differently. Season 8 of The Instructor Podcast is sponsored by Bright Coaching - A training company for Approved Driving Instructors and Trainers. Thank you to Laura Morris for being the first guest on 'In Conversation With...' You can find GoGreen here , and join Lou'...