Inspire Instructor Training Podcast

]Episode summary:In this episode, Diana Todd is joined by Kat Tomkinson (Driving Instructor Kat) to discuss PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and how it can show up in driving lessons when autonomy feels threatened. Kat shares practical ways to reduce demand, build trust, and keep learning non-judgemental — including using hypothetical scenarios and adapting communication. The conversation also covers Kat’s standards check: what the pressure felt like, how she reframed it positively, and how she prepared for success.What we cover:Kat’s journey into instructing after the COVID period and what she enjoys most about the jobWhy many pupils / Instructors experience “resistance” that may actually be a nervous system responsePDA explained as autonomy threat → fight/flight/freeze/fall responseHow seemingly neutral questions (“What could be improved?”) can sometimes trigger defensivenessPractical lesson tools: visual aids, whiteboard scenarios, “future-focused” coachingWhen offering choice helps — and when choice can feel like pressureHow to build rapport and trust so learners feel safe enough to self-reflectStandards check experience: nerves, mindset, communication, and preparationPreparing for the 40-minute “snapshot” when your normal lessons are much longerKey takeaways:Reduce perceived judgement; keep language neutral and future-focusedWhen someone is triggered, “backing off” can be the most productive moveTrust and rapport can be the difference between resistance and reflectionStandards checks are easier to handle when you keep CPD ongoing and reframe it as a positive check of your serviceGuest links / contact:Kat Tomkinson — Driving Instructor Kat (Facebook & Instagram)Website/contact: drivinginstructorkat.blogspot.com

Join Sarah Baldock, founder of SB Driving School, as she discusses her evolution from redundancy to inspiring driving instructor. Sarah shares how she utilizes dashcam footage for self-reflection and empowering her pupils. They dive into the importance of authenticity on social media, managing online negativity, and supporting learners from diverse backgrounds. With insights on mentoring and celebrating the everyday instructor, Sarah shows that real impact can come from the ordinary moments shared between a teacher and student.

In this engaging discussion, Kate Monk, a driving instructor with over a decade of experience, shares her passionate mission behind My Learner Driver, an innovative course for parents of learner drivers. She reveals the alarming statistics on youth road fatalities and the vital role parents can play in fostering safe driving habits. Kate introduces groundbreaking ideas like a 'Family Graduated Driving Licence' and emphasizes enhancing parental guidance and communication skills. Join her as she navigates challenges and shares insights to empower families in driving safety.

Shift your perspective by adopting a learner's mindset to sharpen your teaching skills. Discover practical strategies to ease driving anxiety, like mindfulness techniques and rephrasing fears. Explore the dynamic relationship between instructors and students, advocating for empathy in teaching. Engage in continuous professional development to expand your toolkit of instructional methods. Learn to embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities while creating a supportive atmosphere for independent learners.

We dig into the DVSA Consolation on changes to the test booking system.https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-car-driving-test-booking-rules/improving-car-driving-test-booking-rules?utm_source=dvsa&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=improving-driving-test-booking-rules&utm_content=adi

In this Book Club edition of the Inspire Instructor Training Podcast, Phil is joined by Terry Cook (The Instructor Podcast), Andy Sinker, and Kev Lynes to explore Start With Why by Simon Sinek. But this isn’t just a book review — it’s a deep, personal dive into why we teach, why we care, and how purpose shapes every lesson we give.The conversation touches on:How your “why” evolves over timeWhy purpose-driven instructors build better driversPersonal stories of learners whose lives changed because their instructor had a missionWhat your pupils might say your why is (and why that matters)If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just want to reconnect with your passion — this one’s for you.🧠 Key Takeaways:“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”Your why can develop over time, through both challenge and reflection.Aligning your work with your values makes tough decisions easier — and more meaningful.Your learners feel your why — and that builds trust, loyalty, and deeper impact.

Episode Summary:In this heartfelt and reflective episode, Phil is joined by returning guest and mentor Sam Harper (filling in for Diana) for an open and honest conversation about the personal and professional journey of being a driving instructor.Together, they explore: The importance of shifting from “doing” to “learning” in lessons.How to dig deeper into both successful and unsuccessful moments to help PDIs and pupils grow.The power of mindset, confidence, and human connection in driving development. How neurodiversity, fear responses, and backgrounds affect the way learners experience lessons. Why empathy, patience, and presence are game-changers in instruction. Reflections on how their teaching style has evolved over the years, and advice they’d give their past selves.A live Q\&A moment from Chris around supporting decision-making skills in anxious learners.Plus, they touch on the value of business education, being your authentic self, and the famous 'Let Them' Theory by Mel Robbins.🔍 Key Topics Discussed:🧠 Learning vs. Doing: Why instructors should focus more on what’s being learned rather than just what’s being done. 🪜 Stepping Stones & Goal Setting: Helping pupils visually and mentally map out their learning progress. 🗣 Coaching vs. Instructing: The struggle of shifting from giving solutions to creating space for pupils to find their own. 🧩 Neurodiversity Awareness: How understanding ADHD, autism, and dyslexia has reshaped their approach.🤝 Trust & Belief: Why self-belief and internal confidence matter more than external praise.🧠 Fear Responses & Lived Experience: How learners' behavior can often be misunderstood, and why empathy is crucial. 🧾 Business & Boundaries: The importance of learning business skills early and setting healthy personal boundaries.📚 Books Mentioned:The Power of Now by Eckhart TolleThe Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 🎓 Upcoming Workshop Mentioned:Client-Centred Learning Workshop — Walsall🗓 Sunday, 20th July | 🕘 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM💷 £120✅ Coaching, rapport building, GDE matrix, road safety, experiential learning — and much more!🎤 Interactive, practical, and engaging — no roleplay, just real talk.📣 Join Us:✨ Become a Member of Inspire Instructor Training 🤝 Join Support — where Sam is one of our valued mentors 📚 Access 100+ hours of CPD and business development resources 💬 Weekly check-ins, real support, and constant growth 🎧 Listen, Learn, ReflectThank you for tuning in to the Inspire Instructor Training Podcast — where the learning never stops.🌐 Visit www.inspireinstructortraining.com

In our first ever live podcast (streamed on Facebook for members), we dive into practical strategies for driving instructors to take control of what they can—and thrive despite DVSA test‑booking challenges. Plus, Diana shares two “Digs Deeper” coaching moments, and we explore clever learner‑driven terminology for blockers, hazards, and reflection over perfection.0:00 – Welcome & Live Format- Introduction to the live‑recorded video cast for members - How to watch future live recordings on Facebook (membership required) 3:15 – Workshop Announcement - Date & Time: Sunday 20 July, 9:30 – ~16:30 - Location: Walsall - Cost: £120 per person, group discounts available - Focus: client‑centred learning, CPD for driving instructors7:00 – Phil’s thoughts: “Control the Controllables” 1. The DVSA Waiting‑List Problem - Five‑plus‑month waits, scarcity of cancellations - Common reaction: moaning on Facebook—unhelpful 2. Taking Action for Change - Write to your MP and the DVSA (mobilise your pupils to write, too) - Drip‑feeding pressure at scale can move ministers 3. Working the System Today - Hire a test‑finder or virtual assistant and charge a small management fee - Pre‑book tests early (e.g. on theory‑pass day), then adjust as needed - Build in “re‑assessment” checkpoints two months out 4. Maximizing Learner Hours - Encourage private practice between lessons - Consider mini‑intensives if finances/time allow 5. Pricing & Service Models - Offer “test‑management” as a premium add‑on 25:00 – Diana’s “Digs Deeper” Coaching Moments 1. Reframing “Blockers” → “Gap‑Makers”** - Instead of calling oncoming vehicles “blockers,” ask learners what they’d name them - Shift from negative framing (“blockers”) to positive (“gap‑makers”) 2. Perfection vs. Reflection - Encourage “reflection, not perfection” as a mantra for analysis 3. Mini‑Roundabout Design Exercise - Role‑play as the “traffic‑flow engineer” to explore pros/cons of signals vs. roundabouts - Pitch solutions to “road‑safety teams” and “road‑users” to deepen conceptual grasp - Follow up with real‑world practice, then debrief on muscle‑memory vs. theory 38:30 – Learner‑Driven Terminology - **Hazard Traffic‑Light Game:** - **Green hazards:** unlikely to affect your path - **Amber hazards:** may require slowing or manoeuvring - **Red hazards:** will definitely require action (stop, change lane) - Origin: inspired by Hazard Perception Test colour cues 42:00 – Handling Second‑Guessing on Test Day - Is doubt a sign they really “owned” the learning? - Build true understanding, not rote responses - Use controlled “wrong‑way” practice (with safety caveats) to reinforce correct choices - Wean off instructor “micro‑affirmations” (mhm/mhmm) so learners trust their own judgment - 🎙 Join our Facebook membership to watch live Q&As - 🏫 Book your CPD workshop on 20 July (group discounts available) - ⭐ If you found this episode helpful, please rate & review on your podcast app

Add learning don't steal it.

In this episode, we break down key teaching strategies for driving instructors, including:✅ The Concept of "Driving Independently"How it differs from test-focused "independent driving"Why letting pupils drive without constant instructor input builds confidencePractical exercises to implement this approach in lessons✅ Instructor Self-Analysis for Better TeachingBreaking down subconscious decision-making into teachable stepsBalancing structured lesson plans with pupil needsHelping struggling pupils through observation & reflection🎧 Plus, we cover upcoming training events!🗓 March 12th Zoom: 8 Pitfalls to Avoid for Part 3 & Standards Checks🗓 March 26th Zoom: Learning from the Positives in a Full Fixed Society🗓 March 27th Masterclass: How to Teach Skills Within Topics🗓 March 22nd-23rd Conference: Gala dinner, speakers, and networking🚀 Next Steps for Instructors:✅ Try "driving independently" exercises with your pupils✅ Reflect on your own driving decisions to improve teaching✅ Sign up for the upcoming Zooms and conference💬 What do you think? Have you tried these strategies in your lessons? Let us know in the comments!#DrivingInstructor #InstructorPodcast #DrivingIndependently #InspireTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment