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 with the Man Cave, offering practical tools for managing mental health and building real connections...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 32 min
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 what makes you happy. Whether you’re a driving instructor questioning your career path or someone afra...
Jun 17, 2025•10 min
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. Chris and Stewart share differing views but demonstrate how disagreement can be handled with respect and...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 29 min
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 position of trust under the Sexual Offences Act. They discuss why this matters, what safeguarding re...
May 31, 2025•53 min
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 individual competency so you're fully aware of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to perform. Exclusive...
May 04, 2025•18 min
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. Exclusive shows with industry leaders including Bob Morton, San Harper, and Kev & Tracey Field. Live...
Apr 30, 2025•2 hr 16 min
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 awesome folks does what they do. Spoiler alert: it’s all about passion, connection, and making a dif...
Apr 20, 2025•48 min
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 qualified and experienced instructors, ensuring they have the tools they need for continuous personal devel...
Apr 17, 2025•30 min
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 industry better. From sharing insights on reducing road deaths to practical steps for improving tes...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 10 min
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 visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ For additional content and exclusive discounts, be sure to ch...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 10 min
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 incorporate this latest theory into their lessons without losing their marbles. Plus, we’ll share some t...
Mar 20, 2025•28 min
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 about learning from those epic faceplants! Plus, we’ll share our own tales of flops that turned int...
Mar 13, 2025•55 min
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 and exclusive discounts, be sure to check out our Premium subscription - Here you'll find lots of ext...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 21 min
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 content, including: Episodes on the Standards check and how to break down each individual competency ...
Feb 27, 2025•30 min
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 driving instructors who are ready to revolutionize road safety. Imagine a whole crew of instructors, tra...
Feb 09, 2025•40 min
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 standing out in a crowded market now! We chat about the power of social media, the magic of community e...
Feb 06, 2025•35 min
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 schools and how instructors are stepping up to offer alternatives in a saturated market. With a focus...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 7 min
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 schools. Kevin, a former driving instructor and podcast host, shares his journey of getting back into...
Jan 23, 2025•33 min
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 trainer identify the pupil’s learning goals and needs” Listen to the full episode here For more information on T...
Jan 09, 2025•9 min
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 https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ For additional content and exclusive discounts, be sure to ch...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 14 min
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 enthusiastic younger instructors eager to make their mark. With a blend of humour and candid conversation, ...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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; it's about being authentic and enjoying the process. The discussion also covers practical tips for...
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 9Ep. 8
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 ratings like Euro NCAP, and how instructors can educate learners about making informed choices when buy...
Dec 08, 2024•49 min•Season 9Ep. 7
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 choice can help demonstrate the instructor's capabilities. Many trainers caution against taking full lice...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 9Ep. 6
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 importance of respecting each other's journeys, whether it's waving at fellow instructors on the ro...
Nov 30, 2024•1 hr 14 min
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 make driving safer and more efficient. The conversation also highlights the need for instructors to t...
Nov 24, 2024•1 hr•Season 9Ep. 5
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, featuring: Explore in-depth coaching, The Standards Check, Mindfulness, and additional topics. Exclus...
Nov 21, 2024•11 min
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 CoPilot and Confident Drivers to connect with students and enhance road safety. As they wrap up, lis...
Nov 17, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 9Ep. 4
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, these strategies enhance the client experience and give instructors more time to breathe and recha...
Nov 10, 2024•57 min•Season 9Ep. 3
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, including the belief that charging stations are always empty. Nick shares his insights on the practical ...
Nov 03, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 9Ep. 2
