The Instructor

In this fourth and final In Conversation With episode, Terry is joined once again by Diana Todd to explore the pitfalls and positives of social media in the world of driving instructors.

Together they debate whether social platforms are more toxic than helpful, and how responsibility lies not only with those posting but also those consuming content. Diana reflects on how supportive communities can nurture instructors while toxic groups can chip away at confidence. The pair discuss addictive scrolling, handling criticism, and how to find the right balance between using social media as a tool for learning and avoiding the traps of negativity.

They also touch on the growing number of online memberships, how instructors can navigate the overwhelm, and why it’s important to find your “steak” - the trusted source you keep coming back to. A candid, practical conversation to close out the series.

Check out Support and Inspire

🔥 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

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every 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 insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

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

Terry is joined once again by Diana Todd to tackle an important topic: women in the driving instructor industry.

Diana shares her perspective on why women remain an undervalued resource in what is still a male-dominated profession, and how qualities like compassion, empathy, and balance can bring huge value to both learners and instructors.

Together, Terry and Diana explore why fewer women put themselves forward for opportunities, the impact of extra responsibilities like childcare, and the role associations, schools, and trainers can play in creating platforms for women to thrive. The discussion also covers stereotypes, confidence, and the importance of sharing successes, big and small. Honest, thought-provoking, and inspiring, this episode encourages all instructors to reflect on how the industry can be more inclusive and supportive.

Check out Support and Inspire

🔥 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

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every 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 insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

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

Terry continues his chat with Diana Todd, this time focusing on driving schools and the realities of running one.

Diana explains why she initially resisted the idea of managing a school, and how partnering with Phil eventually led to launching Support Driving School. She opens up about the challenges of balancing fair franchise fees with meaningful training, the importance of genuine care in building a team, and how to create a culture where instructors feel supported rather than pressured.

The discussion also explores the wider perception of franchises, the lessons learned from setting up a multi-car school, and even touches on Terry’s decision to step away from Support.

It’s an honest, practical conversation packed with insights for anyone considering expansion or curious about the business side of being a driving instructor.

Check out Support and Inspire

🔥 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

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every 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 insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

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

Terry sits down with Diana Todd to explore her journey into the driving instructor world.

Diana shares how the search for a better work-life balance led her from a high-pressure career into ADI training, just before the pandemic reshaped everything. She speaks openly about the challenges of qualifying, the reality of juggling family and work, and the lessons she learned along the way.

The conversation also dives into blended training, why trust matters in the industry, and the importance of staying open to feedback. Diana reflects on her transition into training others, her admiration for the late Lou Walsh, and how mentoring has shaped her approach.

Honest, insightful, and at times raw, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone on their own instructor journey.

Check out Support and Inspire

🔥 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

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every 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 insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

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

In this episode of The Instructor Podcast, Terry is joined by Bob Morton and Chris Bensted for a full conversation about the Standards Check and Part 3.

Together, they break down what the DVSA is really looking for, how the SC has developed from the old PST system, and why instructors often overcomplicate things.

The discussion covers risk management, goal setting, common myths (like failing if you use the dual controls), and why preparation should come from everyday lessons rather than special “test prep.” They also share advice on handling nerves, reflecting after setbacks, and why consistent CPD is vital.

Whether you’re a PDI or an experienced ADI, this episode offers clear, practical insight into what makes a strong Standards Check, and how to build better lessons day-to-day.

🔥 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 Every 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

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp

Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

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

In this short lesson, we're diving back to my 2022 conversation with the brilliant Nik Oakes to demystify two often misunderstood marketing terms: copywriting and SEO.

Nik breaks down what they really mean, why they matter for driving instructors, and how to use them effectively without getting lost in jargon. From understanding the difference between chatter and intention, to how using the right terms (like "ADI") can massively boost your visibility online, this bite-sized lesson is packed with practical gold.

Whether you're blogging, building your website, or just want more eyes on your business, this one's a must-listen.

Listen to the full episode here

🔥 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

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every 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 insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

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

July was packed with ideas, insights, and “aha” moments — and in this episode I’m sharing my 5 biggest takeaways so you can skip the noise and head straight to the good stuff.

To give you an extra taste, I’ve included a few short clips from our Premium‑exclusive shows so you can hear exactly the kind of deeper conversations and training our members get access to every week.

We’ll cover:

• How to cut through the noise and teach in a way that’s authentically you
• Why attracting the right pupils matters more than attracting more pupils
• One simple question that can transform the way you run any lesson
• Ways to add value for your learners beyond the driving seat
• The power of “less noise, more action” (and why it’s okay to take breaks)

Whether you’re focused on improving your teaching, growing your business, or simply finding a better balance, there’s something here you can act on straight away.

🔥 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

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every 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 insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

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

Today, we're diving into a fun episode dissection with business guru, Dino Tartaglia! We're all about asking better questions and figuring out how to charge what we're truly worth. You know, it’s not just about knowing the clutch from the brake pedal; it’s about understanding what our students really want: confidence, freedom, and maybe a little less stalling at traffic lights!

So, whether you're a driving instructor or just someone looking to level up in business, we’re here to help you break it down into bite-sized pieces that actually make sense. Plus, we’ll chat about why thinking time is your new best friend for making those big decisions. Grab your headphones, kick back, and let’s get ready to rev up those engines of thought!

🔥 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

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every 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 insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

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

Takeaways:

• This episode dives into the power of asking better questions to unlock deeper insights and enhance your teaching methods as a driving instructor.
• We explore the importance of 'thinking time'—setting aside moments to reflect is crucial for personal and business growth in the driving school industry.
• Pricing is more than just numbers; it’s about the value you provide to your students and how you reassure them of their journey toward becoming confident drivers.
• You don't need to cater to everyone! Focus on building a business around the students you enjoy teaching and those who align with your values.
• The conversation highlights that many people don't realize the true benefits of what they're seeking, like mastering driving techniques, which is often a stepping stone to greater personal development.
• Lastly, remember, investing in your own growth and learning is key—your improvement translates to better support for your students and a thriving driving school.

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.

Whether you’re struggling or supporting someone who is, this episode is a powerful reminder: you’re not alone.

🔥 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

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every 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 insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

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

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 afraid to step outside the box, this episode will challenge your mindset in the best way. Because, as Jono puts it, other people’s opinions don’t pay your bills. Hit play, get inspired, and then go do your thing.

Full episode link

🔥 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

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every 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 insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

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