The Instructor

In this latest Six 4 Sixty, Terry’s joined by a proper Road Safety Justice League — six heavy-hitters from across the sector, for a fast-paced, insight-packed roundtable on what’s really going on in UK road safety right now. First up: the new UK Road Safety Strategy - what it gets right (targets, Safe System thinking, young driver focus) and what it still dodges (funding, enforcement, GDL, and moving quicker than the world changes). Then the conversation turns to young drivers and brain development: how instructors can bridge the gap with habits, routines, preparation, scenario work, and practical “if/then” planning, without blaming or stereotyping. They dig into the big one: how driving instructors can make a real difference beyond “pass the test,” including engaging parents and linking in with road safety organisations. There’s also a blunt discussion on instructor quality vs safety outcomes, consistency, and what the UK should steal from other countries (spoiler: GDL keeps coming up). Plenty of straight-talking, evidence-led challenge, and loads to nick for your next lesson. Find more from the guests here: Olly TaylerRebecca MorrisIan EdwardsDr Liz BoxStuart LovattDr Ian Greenwood 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes - Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else, from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond, this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here Get the Workbook for selected Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insight, links to key industry documents, and a prize giveaway on Mondays. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms:

The new Road Safety Strategy has landed. The reaction has been loud, emotional, and often misdirected. In this episode, Terry Cook doesn’t break down policy line by line or defend government decisions. Instead, he slows the conversation down and explores what this moment really represents for driving instructors. This strategy isn’t just a set of proposals. It’s a cultural signal, a shift in how learning to drive, risk, responsibility, and readiness are being discussed publicly and politically for the first time in over a decade. Terry examines why the UK hasn’t gone backwards on road safety, but has stood still while others improved. He challenges the idea that teaching to pass a test is enough, explores why defensiveness from instructors is understandable but limiting, and explains why this moment gives instructors permission to step into a clearer, more confident role. Listeners don’t have to agree with everything in the strategy. But they do need to decide how they respond to it. This episode is about opportunity, leadership, and choosing where to stand as the conversation around road safety moves forward. 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes - Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else, from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond, this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here Get the Workbook for selected Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insight, links to key industry documents, and a prize giveaway on Mondays. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

Terry Cook is joined by Chris Bensted, Tom Stenson, and Stewart Lochrie to look back on 2025. Together they unpack the wins, the failures, and the frustrating feeling that change in the industry is happening… just not always where or how people want it. Topics include failure to change, CPD beyond “ticking boxes”, Part 3 heartbreaks, collaboration across the industry, the rise (and misuse) of AI, neurodiversity, road safety, events, and why many instructors still stop developing the moment they qualify. There’s reflection on what’s shifted in 2025, what’s improved, and why 2026 might finally be the year when things start to click. Check out: The DITCBright CoachingDrive-Up 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes - Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else, from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond, this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here Get the Workbook for selected Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insight, links to key industry documents, and a prize giveaway on Mondays. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

In the fourth and final instalment of In Conversation with Lee Jowett, Terry and Lee focus squarely on the DVSA, and a proposal that has sparked debate, frustration, and deep concern across parts of the industry. At the heart of this session is a simple but uncomfortable question: How can we assess driving instructors against standards that the assessment itself makes impossible to demonstrate? Lee explains in detail why KIT’s proposal calls for a return to full one-hour Standards Checks and Part 3s, not for convenience, but because the current format fundamentally undermines the very National Standards it claims to be based on. This conversation explores: DVSA guidanceDVSA assessmentaway Lee is clear: this is not about him, KIT, or ownership of an idea. It’s about aligning assessment with evidence, guidance, and decades of research into what actually creates safer drivers. There’s also a direct call to action, not blind agreement, but engagement: something Check out KIT here. 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes - Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else, from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond, this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here Get the Workbook for selected Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insight, links to key industry documents, and a prize giveaway on Mondays. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms:

In the third instalment of In Conversation with Lee Jowett, Terry and Lee take a hard, honest look at where the driving instructor industry actually is right now. Lee opens by describing an industry at a crossroads: full of potential, but vulnerable if meaningful change doesn’t happen. While there are positives, particularly the mindset of newer instructors, there are also serious concerns about qualification processes, inconsistent training standards, and the absence of effective oversight. Together, Terry and Lee explore: There’s also balance. Both acknowledge: Looking ahead, Lee reflects on what he’s proud of from 2025, particularly supporting other instructors to develop into thoughtful, credible trainers, echoing the role mentoring once played in his own career. He also shares cautious hopes (and real apprehensions) about what 2026 may bring if structural change continues to stall. Check out KIT here. 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes - Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else, from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond, this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here Get the Workbook for selected Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insight, links to key industry documents, and a prize giveaway on Mondays. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: Facebook

In this second In Conversation session, Terry and Lee Jowett step back from techniques, tests, and trends to ask a much bigger question: What actually matters in our industry? The discussion centres on outcomes, not instructor comfort, not box-ticking, and not social-media perfection, but what genuinely comes out the other end of driver training and onto the roads. Lee challenges some deeply ingrained habits within instructor training, particularly the industry’s historic focus on skills and knowledge alone. He argues that while these matter, they don’t explain why serious collisions happen, and therefore won’t be enough to prevent them. Check out KIT here. 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

In this in-person conversation, Terry sits down with Lee Jowett to explore what really shapes a driving instructor, beyond passing tests, ticking boxes, and collecting certificates. Lee discusses his journey into the industry, why he never set out to be a trainer, and how discovering coaching fundamentally changed both his teaching approach and his personal identity. From early mentorship under Claire Wilmot, through formal coaching education and psychology-led training, to co-founding KIT (Knowledgeablee Instructor Training), this episode is a deep dive into development, reflection, and doing the work properly. Expect to hear: learn There’s also honest discussion about the future of instructor training, the limits of current qualification routes, and why real change can’t come from test-focused teaching alone. This episode is reflective, challenging, and unapologetically grown-up. Check out KIT here. 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

In this episode, Terry is joined by someone he’s been trying to pin down for years: Rachael Butler of Intelligent Instructor. And it was worth the wait. This is a conversation that goes well beyond the usual ADI chat. Rachel opens up about her journey, the realities of working within Intelligent Instructor, the thinking behind the events and awards, and the huge amount of unseen graft that powers the brand. She also talks candidly about menopause, brain fog, confidence, and the juggling act of life, topics that don’t often get discussed openly in this industry. Together, Terry and Rachel dive into: It’s thoughtful, honest, funny in all the right places, and gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential people in the industry, even if she still insists she’s “not an instructor.” If you want a conversation that blends industry insight, real life, humour, and the kind of honesty we need more of, this one’s worth your time. 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedIn

Terry is joined by Kieran Williams, Project Manager for the Driver Mobility ADI Project, to explore one of the most significant pieces of research released this year for driving instructors, the newly published report examining the challenges, barriers, and opportunities within disability driving training. Over 605 ADIs took part in the survey behind this report, offering detailed insights into how instructors view specialist tuition, access to disability driving support, and the changing needs of learners. Terry and Kieran discuss the quality of the responses and what Driving Mobility plans to do with the findings over the next six months. Kieran shares some of the standout themes, including the growing consensus that working with neurodiverse learners is no longer a specialist corner of the industry, it’s already part of everyday ADI life. As he explains: They also dive into the tricky topic of language, what disability driving instructors should actually be called, why terms like “disability” and “specialist” can create confusion, and how the sector might move toward clearer, more supportive terminology. Whether an ADI, PDI, specialist instructor, or someone exploring inclusive driver training, listeners will get a practical overview of what the report uncovered, what’s coming next, and how they can contribute to the ongoing feedback and development process. A valuable conversation for anyone wanting to stay ahead of where the industry is heading, and what part they can play in it. Here are the details of the online feedback sessions. Your chance as to hear about the report, ask questions about the report, provide feedback about the findings, let us know if anything has been missed and come up with ideas on how the recommendations could be implemented. Dates Monday 24th November 6.30pm – 7.45pm Thursday 27th November 6.30pm – 7.45pm Friday 28th November 3pm – 4.45pm Tuesday 2nd December 6.30pm – 7.45pm Saturday 6th December 6.30pm – 7.45pm To book please contact keiran@drivingmobility.org.uk Read the report here 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel:

Terry sits down with psychotherapist and podcast host Richard Nicholls for a conversation that goes far deeper than International Men’s Day soundbites. What starts as a lighthearted catch-up quickly opens into something honest, warm, and surprisingly relatable. Richard breaks down what a psychotherapist actually does, before the two dive into the messy, complicated reality of being a man today: expectations, identity, emotional depth, stereotypes, and why so many blokes still feel the pressure to “stand on the roadside” and protect everyone around them. Along the way, Terry shares openly about the last few years of his life; highs, lows, losses, and personal growth, while Richard explores how men process difficulty, why emotional expression still feels taboo, and how lived experience shapes behaviour more than we realise. They also dig into loneliness, cultural messages about masculinity, and the challenges male driving instructors face around mental health, wellbeing, and identity. It’s thoughtful, funny in places, and packed with those moments where you find yourself nodding along because it just makes sense. If you want a conversation that feels human, grounded, and genuinely useful, especially if you're a man navigating the world or someone supporting men, this is well worth your time. Listen to the Richard Nicholls Podcast 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube Takeaways:

In this latest Six 4 Sixty, Terry Cook brings together a fresh team of ADI Avengers: Bob Morton, Kim Gibson, Emma Fonnaland, Tommy Sandhu, Stewart Lochrie, and Tom Stenson, for another rapid-fire round of six questions, each answered in 60 seconds. This episode dives into some of the biggest issues facing driving instructors today, from raising lesson prices with confidence to adapting communication styles, promoting your business as demand slows, and tracking the right metrics for success. There’s plenty of straight-talking insight on self-reflection, CPD, and the habits that keep instructors sharp, plus an honest look at whether they’d all still choose to be ADIs knowing what the industry’s like now. The conversation ends with powerful reflections on rapport, professionalism, and the importance of not being “a dick on Facebook.” Packed with humour, honesty, and wisdom, this is one of the most engaging Six 4 Sixty sessions yet. Contact the ADI Avengers here: Stewart LochrieKim GibsonBob MortonTom StensonTommy SandhuEmma Fonnaland 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedIn

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 instructors can positively influence learners long after the test, and practical ways to bring coaching into everyday lessons. Together, the two Terrys reflect on honesty, professional development, and how the language we use shapes outcomes. This episode challenges instructors to think beyond pass rates and towards creating safe, confident drivers for life. 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

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 nurture instructors while toxic groups can chip away at confidence. The pair discuss addictive scrolling, handling criticism, and how to find the right balance between using social media as a tool for learning and avoiding the traps of negativity. They also touch on the growing number of online memberships, how instructors can navigate the overwhelm, and why it’s important to find your “steak” - the trusted source you keep coming back to. A candid, practical conversation to close out the series. Check out Support and Inspire 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

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 themselves forward for opportunities, the impact of extra responsibilities like childcare, and the role associations, schools, and trainers can play in creating platforms for women to thrive. The discussion also covers stereotypes, confidence, and the importance of sharing successes, big and small. Honest, thought-provoking, and inspiring, this episode encourages all instructors to reflect on how the industry can be more inclusive and supportive. Check out Support and Inspire 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

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 building a team, and how to create a culture where instructors feel supported rather than pressured. The discussion also explores the wider perception of franchises, the lessons learned from setting up a multi-car school, and even touches on Terry’s decision to step away from Support. It’s an honest, practical conversation packed with insights for anyone considering expansion or curious about the business side of being a driving instructor. Check out Support and Inspire 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

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 conversation also dives into blended training, why trust matters in the industry, and the importance of staying open to feedback. Diana reflects on her transition into training others, her admiration for the late Lou Walsh, and how mentoring has shaped her approach. Honest, insightful, and at times raw, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone on their own instructor journey. Check out Support and Inspire 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

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 you use the dual controls), and why preparation should come from everyday lessons rather than special “test prep.” They also share advice on handling nerves, reflecting after setbacks, and why consistent CPD is vital. Whether you’re a PDI or an experienced ADI, this episode offers clear, practical insight into what makes a strong Standards Check, and how to build better lessons day-to-day. 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

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 terms (like "ADI") can massively boost your visibility online, this bite-sized lesson is packed with practical gold. Whether you're blogging, building your website, or just want more eyes on your business, this one's a must-listen. Listen to the full episode here 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube

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: Whether you’re focused on improving your teaching, growing your business, or simply finding a better balance, there’s something here you can act on straight away. 🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here More from The Instructor Podcast Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing. 🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast Get the Workbook for Every Episode When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference. Sign up for The Instructor email 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube