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The Instructor

The Instructor

By: Terry Cook
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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.Terry Cook Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Ask Terry: Are We Preparing PDIs for the Job? - with Stefan Solomenca
    Oct 10 2026

    What should PDI training prepare you for beyond passing Part 3?

    In this session, Stefan Solomenca takes over the interviewer’s chair to question Terry about the quality of instructor training, why new instructors can feel unprepared, and what needs to change.

    They explore risk management, knowing your teaching areas, understanding the person behind the wheel, and the limitations of training that focuses on passing a test. Terry also shares lessons from his own early mistakes and discusses how reflection and ongoing development can help instructors raise their standards.

    For anyone choosing a trainer, supporting PDIs, or reviewing their own practice, the conversation offers practical points to consider, including communication, observing lessons, and researching your options before committing.

    🔥 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
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • The Ultimate PDI Podcast
    Sep 30 2026

    Thinking about becoming a driving instructor? Or already working your way through the PDI process?

    In this special episode, Terry is joined by Emma Cottington and Tom Stenson for a comprehensive look at what it really takes to become an ADI.

    They explore the Part 1, 2 and 3 process, why training shouldn’t simply be about passing tests, blended training, choosing the right trainer, and whether a trainee licence is right for you.

    The conversation also tackles the minimum 40 hours of training, gaining real teaching experience, training costs, franchise agreements, going independent, running your own business and the importance of continued development.

    Whether you’re considering becoming an instructor or already somewhere along the journey, this episode is designed to help you ask better questions, avoid common pitfalls and make more informed decisions.

    🔥 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
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 4 mins
  • How to Make Driving Lessons Fun
    Aug 31 2026

    What makes a driving lesson fun, and does fun always mean games and laughter?

    In this first Monday Night Live, Terry Cook is joined by Tom Stenson to explore how instructors can make lessons more enjoyable, engaging and effective. They discuss the importance of energy, enthusiasm and engagement, as well as how rapport and client-centred learning help us understand what each pupil actually enjoys.

    The conversation also covers creative lesson ideas, involving pupils in decisions, learning outside the car and making activities between lessons more interesting.

    Not every pupil wants games, and not every lesson needs to be hilarious.

    Sometimes, fun simply means being involved, making progress and leaving the car feeling positive.

    🔥 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
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
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All stars
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Highly valuable CPD content and very easy to listen to. Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in driver training

My favourite podcast

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The content is amazing, there's a real pivot towards promoting positive and progressive change in the industry. I've listened and relistened to episodes where Terry gets many key figures to contribute on key matters... and the conversations are a lifeline if you have very little time for direct contact with other instructors.

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So many episodes to listen and relisten to. Bursting with quality content CPD in every episode. Being part of the community Terry has created makes for being an instructor feel far less lonely.

Listen up if you’re a driving instructor!

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