Podcast Show Notes – Episode 45: Inspire Instructor Training

In this episode of the Inspire Instructor Training Podcast, we dive into key topics that help driving instructors improve their teaching strategies and stay informed about industry developments.  

Phil's Thoughts

- Don’t let the pursuit of perfection hinder progress!  

- Learn how to focus on *practice over analysis* when teaching bay parking.  

- One key improvement per attempt = more effective learning.  

- This approach also applies to roundabouts and other driving scenarios.  

Drive Mobility & Instructor Survey

- Jacky from Drive Mobility joins us to discuss a crucial survey on disability driver training.  

- There’s a high demand for instructors specialising in mobility needs and older drivers.  

- Why do some instructors choose not to work in this sector? Let’s explore the barriers.  

- Two surveys are available: one for ADIs involved in disability tuition and one for those who are not. 

- You can find the survey here,

Click here if YOU ARE NOT currently offering specialist tuition

Click here if YOU ARE already offering specialist tuition

Diana Digs Deeper  

- A different approach to instruction—understanding why decisions are made.  

- Analysing roundabouts: how shape, incline, and traffic levels affect decision-making.  

- The balance between deep analysis and repetition-based practice.  

Upcoming Events  

📅 Mark your calendars! 

- Feb 19 – Zoom: Asking Relevant Questions  

- Mar 12 – Zoom: Avoiding Pitfalls for Part 3/Standards Check  

- Mar 20 – *We’re Only Human* Workshop  

- Mar 22-23 – Meet us at the *Intelligent Instructor Conference*!  

- Mar 26 – Zoom: Learning from the Positives  

- Mar 27 – Masterclass: Teaching Skills Within Topics  

- Apr 24 – Masterclass: Helping Pupils Who Struggle to Articulate Answers  

🎧 Tune in now and take your instructing skills to the next level!  

On this episode we discuss our new national driving school, aimed at supporting driving instructors across the country.

Book Club: Learning to Drive and Lasagne by Alex Jones  

📚 Key Takeaways

✅ Uses lasagne-making as an analogy for learning to drive 🍝🚗  

✅ Covers both car control skills and higher-level cognitive aspects  

✅ Engaging approach tailored to learners' interests & experiences  

✅ Valuable resource for earners, PDIs & experienced ADIs

🔍 Topics Discussed 

🛠 Book Concept & Structure:

- Inspired by Alex’s PDI training experiences and a conversation with Chris Bensted  

- Focuses on layering skills like a lasagne!  

- Covers GDE matrix concepts and psychological aspects of driving  

🎯 Who Can Benefit?  

- Learner drivers 

- Nervous beginners who want a structured approach  

- PDIs & ADIs looking for fresh, relatable teaching methods  

📘 Bonus Resource: Show Me Tell Me Book  

- Companion book for practical vehicle checks 🚦  

- Makes "Show Me Tell Me" questions more engaging & memorable  

🛒 Want to Read It?  

📖 Available on Amazon – Search "Learning to Drive and Lasagna" 

https://amzn.eu/d/go1rJZs

📌 Formats: Paperback & Kindle 

🎙️ Inspire Instructor Training Podcast – Episode: “Be Kind to Yourself & Embrace Learning Opportunities”

In this thought-provoking episode, Phil and Diana share insights on self-kindness as a driving instructor and how to turn everyday lessons into meaningful learning moments.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

• Celebrating the Industry: The hosts encourage listeners to vote for them and their companies Inspire and Cowley’s, for industry awards, and they reflect on the wealth of resources available to driving instructors.
• The Importance of Self-Kindness: Diana highlights the need for instructors to be kind to themselves, especially when dealing with difficult students or situations that push them beyond their expertise.
• Dealing with Challenging Pupils: The hosts discuss managing students with ingrained bad habits, addressing parental involvement, and the value of communication, collaboration, and sometimes referral to specialists.
• Teaching Nuggets: In the “Phil Digs Deeper” segment, Phil shares a powerful example of using a brief moment during a lesson to emphasise road safety. Diana adds a perspective on timing and the balance of deep discussions in lessons.

📚 This episode is full of relatable stories, practical strategies, and reminders to approach teaching with patience, kindness, and adaptability. Tune in to learn how to nurture your own growth while helping your students succeed!

💌 Don’t forget to vote for Inspire and Cowley’s in the industry awards—help us celebrate excellence in driving instruction!

https://www.intelligentinstructor.co.uk/awards-voting/

https://www.goroadie.com/awards

In this episode, Phil and Diana dive into what it really means to be an experienced driving instructor — and why it's notjust about the years you've been teaching. They explore the qualities that make a great instructor mentor, tips for achieving an A grade on your standards check, and the importance of continuous professional development (CPD) for driving instructors who want to make a lasting impact.

Key topics include:

🚗 Experience vs. Time — Why length of service doesn't always equal quality

💡 Qualities of a Mentor — The mindset and skills every trainer needs

🛑 Standards Check Tips — How to create a supportive learning environment and go beyond surface-level teaching

📚 CPD Insights — Practical ways to improve your teaching and make lessons more impactful

Phil also shares his vision of creating a community of instructors who are passionate about road safety and committed to learning. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow and support the next generation of safe, responsible drivers.

Tune in now to start leveling up your teaching game!

In this episode, Phil and Diana discuss:

🎯 Coaching in Driver’s Education

• Why coaching empowers students to learn from within.
• The "acorn to oak tree" analogy: Students have the potential to grow with the right guidance.
• Balancing technical information with self-discovery and experience.

🚘 The Rise of Automatic Cars

• Statistics show a sharp increase in learners choosing automatics.
• Predictions: Will over 50% of drivers test in automatics within 10-15 years?
• Why younger generations embrace automatics while older attitudes lag behind.
• Is learning in an automatic faster and more cost-effective?

📚 Teaching Moments & Avoiding Distractions

• Stories from the road:
• Bill’s student distracted by pizza cravings 🍕.
• Phil’s student captivated by geese 🦢.
• A breakdown of a missed coaching opportunity where an instructor could have "dug deeper" to help a student analyze and improve.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Small comments and distractions can hold big learning opportunities. Listen to your students and use every moment to guide them toward success.

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

In this episode of the Inspire Instructor Training podcast, we delve into actionable strategies for driving instructors to enhance their teaching skills, develop professionally, and keep lessons engaging. With a mix of practical advice, humor, and in-depth exploration, this episode is a must-listen for instructors at all levels.

Key Topics Covered:

Small, Consistent Improvements

- Learn about "compound learning," where daily 1% improvements lead to big gains over time.

- Practical examples include better question timing, arriving early, or keeping the car spotless.

Tips for Incremental Growth

- Use tools like CPD trackers to monitor progress.

- Build a "question bank" for better lesson engagement, focusing on manageable goals.

Hilarious Lesson Anecdotes

- The hosts share stories of accidental innuendos that will have you laughing out loud.

Advice for Aspiring PDIs

- Don’t settle for subpar training—be proactive in demanding support and tailoring your development.

- Suggestions include feedback-driven sessions and a buddy system for peer support.

Modern Resources for PDIs

- Explore a treasure trove of resources, from podcasts to Facebook groups, and how to use them wisely.

Diana Digs Deeper”: Better Questioning at Junctions

- Improve learner understanding with in-depth questions like “What factors are you taking into account?”

- Learn how to adapt questioning to real-time situations and bridge knowledge gaps effectively.

Menopause 

In this episode of the Inspire Instructor Training podcast, we explore the challenges and realities of menopause and its impact on driving instructors. With insightful contributions from instructor Sarah, we discuss how this stage of life can affect professional performance and personal well-being, and share strategies to manage symptoms while fostering a supportive workplace.  

What You’ll Learn:

- The difference between menopause and perimenopause—and why it’s so misunderstood.  

- Recognizing the diverse symptoms of perimenopause, from brain fog to fatigue.  

- How perimenopause uniquely impacts driving instructors.  

- Sarah’s story: Managing brain fog, anxiety, and fatigue while staying safe on the job.  

- The value of open communication with students and colleagues.  

- Tips for lifestyle adjustments, like reducing hours and prioritizing self-care.  

- Why normalizing menopause discussions is crucial in the workplace.  

- How support groups and shared experiences can make a difference.  

Key Takeaway:  

By increasing awareness, fostering open communication, and creating supportive environments, female driving instructors can manage perimenopause more effectively and continue to thrive in their careers.  

🎧 Don’t miss this empowering conversation!  

Kate and Jane's Facebook.

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#DrivingPodcast #Perimenopause #InstructorTraining  

On this episode we enjoy a great story from Kat Tompkinson and both Phil and Diana share there wisdom.

We have Phil's thoughts and Diana Digs Deeper along with a great question and story from Iwan.