Terry Cook

The Instructor

Business EN ↓ 273 episodes

Holding a mirror up the the driver training industry, to help driving instructors run better and more profitable businesses as well as improving as instructors. I talk with a variety of experts, leaders, innovators and game changers to harness their knowledge and see how we can apply that to our business. If you share the same passion for personal and professional development as me and my guests, then this podcast can help you make the changes you need to become a better instructor and business owner. To accompany the podcast there's also a premium subscription feed:https://www.patreon.com/the...

Author

Terry Cook

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jul 5, 2026

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Episodes

Short Lesson #15 - Managing the pressure of a driving test backlog & learning how to say no: Richard Nicholls 14.04.2023

Back August 2021, I spoke with psychotherapist Richard Nicholls and one of the areas we touched on was handling different types of pressure. In particular for driving instructors as it relates to managing the driving test backlog and learning how to say no. In this Short Lesson, I bring you a snippet of inspiration and information. Find Richards's book and more, here . For more information on The...

Happy anniversary - a dissection of the first ever episode of The Instructor Podcast 10.04.2023

As The Instructor Podcast hits it's 2 year anniversary, I'm releasing a very special episode from my Premium collection where I went back and directed the very first episode of the show. Joined by Premium members and industry legend Bob Morton, this is a must listen for driving instructors. For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ here you'll find...

What impact can sleep have on driving instructors and driving lessons? 09.04.2023

Do driving instructors need to have better conversations with learners about the effects of lack of sleep on driving? Sleep expert, Hayley Field, joins us to discuss this very topic.  You can find Hayley's website here .  For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ here you'll find guest profiles, spotlighted episodes, blogs access to The In...

How to prepare your learners for a driving test, and Mindfulness for driving instructors 02.04.2023

A double dose of inspiration and information this week as I provide you with two episodes from my Premium vault featuring Bob Morton explaining how driving instructors can best prepare students for their driving test and San Harper discussing how mindfulness isn't just meditation. For more San Harper goodness: Website: https://www.guildmdt.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Guildofmindfuldriv...

Green Room #27 - The DVSA announce their proposals for driving instructors 31.03.2023

It's all about the DVSA this month as special guest Bob Morton joins me to discuss the DVSA's latest proposals following the results of their recent survey. You can read the full report here . A reminder that as a Premium member, you get a £10 monthly discount on Bob's Client Centred Learning. For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ here you'll fi...

What's wrong with the theory test, and what can instructors do about it? 26.03.2023

The theory test is a topic that's plagued driving instructors for a long time. How do we get learners to engage? Is the test fit for purpose? What resources are out there? That's all covered today as Chris Bensted from Theory Test Explained joins us to answer those questions.  Check out Theory Test Explained on Facebook or their website . We also have a new feature at the end of each episode...

Stunt driver, ADI and battling for equality 19.03.2023

I'm joined by Sarah Hall, whose list of roles includes, stunt driver, Ford Cup racer, and driving instructor, as we discuss: Why she added ADI to her repertoire The skills/mindset she's brought in from her motorsport career Why she struggled on Part 3 Her battles with imposter syndrome as an ADI The sexism she faces as a woman in a predominantly male industry You can follow Sarah on Facebook and I...

The Green Room #26 - How successful were the DVSA in 2022? 28.02.2023

The Green Room is back! I'm joined by Chris Bensted of the DITC as we reflect on all the latest news, including: Driving Test fraud Are You Ready? The DVSA's successful 2022 We also discuss the difference between A and B grades and whether they have any impact on driving lessons.  You can check out the Ice event here . For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstru...

Short Lesson #14 - The importance of CPD: Ray Seagrave 01.02.2023

It's another midweek boost of inspiration and information as we dive way back into season  two and Ray Seagrave talk about the importance of CPD and why it matters to him.  Check out the full episode here .  For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ here you'll find guest profiles, spotlighted episodes, blogs access to The Instructor...

The Green Room #25 - 2022 in review and some special shout outs 07.01.2023

2022 was quite an interesting year and the DITC's Chris Bensted joins me to discuss all the highs and lows, including: Highway Code changes Driving test waiting times The DVSA We also take some time to look ahead to 2023 and give some shout outs to some of the less discussed people in the industry. Have an awesome 2023.  For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinst...

Top Tips for Driving Instructors in 2023 25.12.2022

It's the last episode of Season four and its released on Christmas day, so I'm joined by a few very special guests to offer driving instructors a collection of tips for 2023. For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ here you'll find guest profiles, spotlighted episodes, blogs access to The Instructor Podcast Premium, previous episodes and more... F...

The Pupil Perspective 18.12.2022

Join Terry Cook as he dives deep into the learner's perspective on driving lessons with former students Charlotte Parker and Julia Feeric. This episode emphasizes the importance of communication between instructors and learners, highlighting how a strong rapport can significantly enhance the learning experience. Both guests share their insights on what makes a driving instructor effective, from be...

Short Lesson #13 - The Future: Carl Reader 15.12.2022

It's another midweek boost of inspiration and information as we dive way back into season  two, to listen to how he sees the future of the automotive industry.  You can check out the full episode here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/355e0ac5-fc13-4a29-a2e7-5176d8dfdf22 For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ here you'll find guest p...

Coaching, Goal Setting and Sharing Responsibility 11.12.2022

As coaching continues to grow in the driving instructor industry, is always nice to be joined by an expert in the field. But it's even better when we're joined by two! Jo Wheatley and Zoe Hawkins of The Coaching Crowd podcast join me to discuss: Goal setting The relationship between learner and instructor Coaching the gap Despite a power cut, it's another cracking episode and you can find Jo and Z...

Students with additional needs - how driving instructors can help 04.12.2022

How would you help a student with additional needs?  Whether physical or mental, students with additional needs can be a daunting a challenge for a driving instructor. Fortunately we have wonderful people like Emma Hallett who are willing to offer some words of wisdom. We discuss: How rewarding her role is Tips for ADI's The adaptations that are available You can find Emma's website here .&nb...

The Green Room #24 - Striking Examiners, Standard checks and the end of the BLR. 30.11.2022

It's a news heavy episode of The Green Room this months as we discuss: The hole left by the BLR Digital theory test results The award season Examiners striking The DVSA Standard checks The DITC's Chris Bensted joins me to cover all the above.  For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ here you'll find guest profiles, spotlighted episodes, blogs...

The DVSA explain why they're encouraging private practice 13.11.2022

I'm joined by Amanda Lane, Head of Driver Testing and Training Policy at the DVSA. We discuss: Why the DVSA is encouraging private practice How driving instructors can use their guidance Are they alienating people As always, your feedback on the episode is welcome and you can find Amanda's blog here and you can find the guidance for parents here . For more information on The Instructor Podcast vis...

The Big Learner Relay with Lou Walsh & Amy Cullen 06.11.2022

It's all about the Big Learner Relay as I'm joined by BLR supremo Lou Walsh and behind the scenes legend Amy Cullen. You can also find this years BLR them song by Chris Bensted at the end of the episode. Donate to the Big Learner Relay. For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ here you'll find guest profiles, spotlighted episodes, blogs access to T...

How parents can help driving instructors (and how we can help them!) 30.10.2022

Parents - can't live with them, can't live without them! This week ADI Julie Hazell has joined me to discuss how she has prioritised working with parents, becoming a bit of a specialist at it and even creating an online course to help parents teach their teenagers to drive.  We look at: The problems parents can cause How we can help them Students who have 3 lessons with mum/dad & 1 lesson...

Short lesson #12 - What is self sabotage: Shabnam Rajah 27.10.2022

It's another midweek boost of inspiration and information as we dive way back into season two, to get some words of wisdom from Shabnam Rajah. As always, you get the episodes early.  You can check out the full episode here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/694b528f-0ca3-4569-a3ab-73236da8d9f9 For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ here yo...

The Standards check checklist with Emma Cottington 23.10.2022

It's all about the Standards check this week as I dive into The Instructor Podcast Premium catalogue to bring you a cracking edition of my Standards check checklist as ADI/PDI Trainer Emma Cottington joins me to discuss 'Was the trainer aware of the surroundings and the pupils actions'  As always, we look at who we should be taking, top tips for the standard check/part 3 and a deep look into...

Branding your driving school 16.10.2022

Today we're talking to Ian Blakeman about branding as we dive into how we can start making our driving schools unique, how that will help during a recession and how we can step up our game.  Check out the Spotify playlist here .  Find Ian on Facebook .  Find Ian's Beacons here .  For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ here you...

Should you request a standards check, even if you don't need one? 09.10.2022

Despite not hitting the triggers set by the DVSA, Phil requested a standards check and asked if he could join me on the podcast to share his experience. I was more than happy to oblige. It's definitely an episode that driving instructors as we discuss: Why you would book a SC if you don't need one. Was it beneficial? What resources Phil recommends.  We also get Phil's ultimate driving song th...

Episode 100 - LIVE at the ADINJC & Intelligent Instructor Expo! 09.10.2022

This episode is the 100th ever recording of The Instructor Podcast and was recorded in front of a live audience at the ADINJC and Intelligent Instructor Expo on October 2nd.  I was joined by the stalwarts of the Expo: Richard Storrs and Richard Borges as we dive into topics including: First Car magazine What they've learned from this years Expo Driving instructor awards I'm then joined by DIT...

The Green Room Extra 01.10.2022

Every month when we've finished the Green Room, we record a short bonus episode where Chris Bensted asks me a random question. I have no idea what this is, but I need to attempt to articulate an answer. This episode is exclusive to The Instructor Podcast Premium members. As a treat, I'm putting it out as a bonus episode to kick off Halloween. Enjoy! For more information on The Instructor Podcast v...

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