

The Instructor
Terry Cook
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/theinstructor
Here you can find weekly bonus shows, excluive discounts to CPD and all the show are early and ad free. The perfect place to start or enhance your CPD as a driving instructor.
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/theinstructor
Here you can find weekly bonus shows, excluive discounts to CPD and all the show are early and ad free. The perfect place to start or enhance your CPD as a driving instructor.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 10, 2023 • 1h 7min
"I'm an ADI who had cancer" - James McAleer
James McAleer has a message for driving instructors. He wants us to take better care of ourselves. Jimmy shares his story of how he was sideswiped by a cancer diagnosis, but how lucky he was that some things fell into place to give him the best support possible. He also speaks about the importance of getting symptoms checked out. Driving instructors are in a static environment and are often prone to a lack of exercise. Now is the time to take action. Donate to James' fundraiser hereFor 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 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. 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:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAnd be sure to check out the DITC

Dec 3, 2023 • 1h 17min
Mirrors, Signal, Podcast?
Part of the ethos behind The Instructor Podcast has always been to showcase services, products, and people, that are beneficial to the driving instructor industry. And that theme continues today as I'm joined by Mirrors, Signal, Podcast host, Josh Holleran. We discuss:Why he started the showHow instructors can benefit from itHis future plansFind Mirrors, Signal, Podcast 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 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 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. 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:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAnd be sure to check out the DITC

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 13min
Green Room #35 - What do you love about the driving instructor industry?
Chris Bensted of the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collectives joins me to discuss the latest news, including:Road Safety WeekNASP WebinarsThe Big Learner RelayWe also look at what we love about the driving instructor industry, reflecting on comments made from members of The Instructor Podcast Facebook group. 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 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. 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:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAnd be sure to check out the DITC

Nov 26, 2023 • 1h 25min
Teenagers scare the living sh*t out of me
If you remember that song, we can be friends!We're talking teenagers this week, and why so many driving instructors are critical of them. Are they lazy? Do they care? Are we making the situation worse?Samantha De Mattos recently qualified as both a teacher, and an accredited coach, and as such she has quite strong opinions on the topic of today's youth. But we also take a look at the difference between coaching and teaching and discuss how driving instructors can find their passion. You can find Sam on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok. 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 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. 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:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAnd be sure to check out the DITC

Nov 19, 2023 • 60min
Social media shouldn't add to your stress levels
Laura Joyce has helped some of the top driving schools grow their brands, and now she's here to work with you.We take an overview of ADI social media, including:How to get startedBuilding a brand vs professional social mediaWhich platforms you should useYou can find Laura on Instagram 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 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. 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:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAnd be sure to check out the DITC

Nov 15, 2023 • 8min
Short Lesson #24 - It could be having a f*cking spa day
I'm back with another Short Lesson - a clip from a previous podcast to give you a bitesize boost of information and inspiration. Today it's Emma Mellor as she explains what she means by wellbeingIt could be a fucking spa day!Listen to the full episode here. You can find Emma's website - https://emmamellor.com/ and on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wellbeingwithoutthewankYou can buy 'The little book of self love' - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HQBRYK8/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 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. 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:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAnd be sure to check out the DITC

Nov 12, 2023 • 1h 24min
Why coaching and the GDE Matrix is key to road safety
The RAC Foundation's Head of Research, Liz Box joins me to discuss how coaching and the GDE Matrix is key to road safety and an important tool for driving instructors. We also look at why shock tactics don't work, graduated licences, and we here more about CO-Pilot and it's potential for ADIs.Dr Elizabeth Box FCIHTElizabeth has a PhD in Transport Psychology from Cranfield University, where she focused on developing and trialling pre-driver education interventions grounded in behavioural science. Elizabeth is an advisor to several road safety industry and government project boards and is a judge for the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards. She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation, a technical champion for the organisation as well as a judge for the Institute’s annual Road Safety Award. Elizabeth is an accomplished transport researcher and commissioner with over two decades of experience. She has an excellent track record in influencing and contributing to road safety policy outcomes at the national level. Elizabeth is the Research Director at the RAC Foundation, an independent charity which researches the environmental, mobility, safety and economic issues relating to roads and their users. She is also a Behavioural Science Consultant at Co-Pilot, a start-up which develops evidence-based road safety education.DriveFit resources: https://roadsafetygb.org.uk/drivefit/RAC Foundation Website: www.racfoundation.orgCo-Pilot website: www.co-pilot.orgLinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-box-787b2735/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 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. 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:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAnd be sure to check out the DITC

Nov 5, 2023 • 1h 31min
LIVE at the Expo - Driving instructor presentations
There's not one, but two driving instructor presentations on this episode. Both were recorded live at the Intelligent Instructor & ADINJC Expo. Plus we talk to the man behind it all, Richard Storrs, to find out how they're revamping next year and what he thinks of my suggestion that the DVSA don't headline. Find out more from the contributors here:Intelligent Instructor Sophie Thomson Phil Cowley Diana Todd 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 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. 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:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAnd be sure to check out the DITC

Oct 31, 2023 • 1h 2min
Green Room #34 - Your questions answered
As well as covering all the latest news including the BLR choir, the DVSA's stats, and industry events, Chris Benstead and myself also tackle some questions submitted on The Instructor Podcast Facebook group.Alex JonesSarah BaldockKev LynesStewart LochrieAll get their questions answered. At least we attempt to! 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 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. 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:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAnd be sure to check out the DITC

Oct 29, 2023 • 1h 11min
The future's Bright, the future's Coaching!
The Instructor Podcast returns for season six with Bright Coaching's Stewart Lochrie. We dive into the world of coaching for driving instructors as we discuss:The difference between being a coach, and using coaching skillsCoaching vs instruction, and why we need bothWhy we should be aiming to help the client, however they presentWe also take an in-depth look at Bright Coaching and the new accredited qualification for ADIs in Coaching, Behavioural Change, and Driver Psychology.You can find out more 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 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 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. 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:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAnd be sure to check out the DITC