by Phil Cowley
The Instructor Training Podcast is aimed at Driving Instructors and Trainee Driving Instructors wanting to improve their lessons and pass their Standards Check or Part 3. Our aim is to break it down and make it simple. I will be joined by some of the best trainers and Adi’s in the business along with chats with Pdi’s to gain their perspective on the process of becoming an instructor.
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Publishing Since
10/10/2023
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February 27, 2026
<h3>Guest</h3><p><strong>Rachael Butler</strong> — Sales & Marketing Director, Intelligent Instructor</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>10 years at Intelligent Instructor (joined ~6 months after launch)</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Curates and organises content for <strong>Intelligent Instructor Plus</strong></li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Runs <strong>24 online events per year</strong> (12 masterclasses + 12 member webinars)</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Heavily involved in national events: sponsorship/exhibitors and event delivery</li></ol><br/><h3>What we cover</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>What Rachael’s role actually involves (and why she calls herself a “facilitator of excellence”)</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Intelligent Instructor Plus: what it includes, why it’s built around ongoing CPD, and how members use it</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Burnout, boundaries, and the reality of high workload (plus what’s helped Rachael personally)</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Why CPD improves more than performance: confidence, mindset, and long-term professional development</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>The real shift happening in the industry: increased competition and why differentiation matters more than ever</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Standing out without overwhelm: defining your “why you”, not trying to copy the loudest accounts</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Diversifying: fleet, young driver, offender rehab, PDI training, and other routes to build resilience</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Events breakdown:</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>National Conference & Expo</strong> (September): large-scale, multiple zones/stages, huge expo hall</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>The Convention</strong>: smaller, more intimate, single-stage immersion, mindset + business development</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>How to get maximum value from events: curiosity, stretching beyond your comfort zone, and implementing one practical change</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Your “advice handover” segment: leaving guidance for the next guest</li></ol><br/><h3>Key takeaways</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>Don’t do all the CPD. Do the CPD that fits you — consistently.</strong></li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>Differentiation isn’t about being flashy — it’s about being clear.</strong> Who you help, how you teach, and what you stand for.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>A full diary isn’t always success</strong> — you need time for reflection, business admin, finances, CPD, and rest.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>Events work best when you attend sessions you wouldn’t normally choose</strong> and then apply one change immediately.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>Small changes compound</strong> — “one thing at a time” adds up fast over a year.</li></ol><br/><h3>Memorable moments</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>The candid chat about burnout, boundaries, and learning to respond less “immediately”</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>The industry reality check: rising numbers coming into the sector means standing out matters more than ever</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>The Convention vs Expo reflection: why being “exposed to everything” can be more valuable than choosing only familiar sessions</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>The advice baton at the end:</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>“Do one thing this year that pushes you outside your comfort zone.”</strong></li></ol><br/><h3>Mentioned in the episode</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Intelligent Instructor Plus membership (online platform with hundreds of resources + monthly webinar)</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>National Conference & Expo (September)</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>The Convention (smaller, immersive event + awards dinner)</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Diversifying ideas: fleet, young driver, rehabilitation/speed awareness, training routes</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Tools and habits: time blocking, “two-minute try”, and managing workload boundaries</li></ol><br/><h3>Connect with Rachael / Intelligent Instructor</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Intelligent Instructor website: <strong><a href="http://intelligentinstructor.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">intelligentinstructor.co.uk</a></strong></li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Email: <strong><a href="mailto:rachael@intelligentinstructor.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">rachael@intelligentinstructor.co.uk</a></strong></li></ol><br/><p>If you enjoyed the episode, share it with an instructor friend who’s trying to grow their business without burning out — and tell me your biggest takeaway.</p>
January 9, 2026
<p><strong>]Episode summary:</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong>What we cover:</strong></p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Kat’s journey into instructing after the COVID period and what she enjoys most about the job</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Why many pupils / Instructors experience “resistance” that may actually be a nervous system response</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>PDA explained as autonomy threat → fight/flight/freeze/fall response</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>How seemingly neutral questions (“What could be improved?”) can sometimes trigger defensiveness</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Practical lesson tools: visual aids, whiteboard scenarios, “future-focused” coaching</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>When offering choice helps — and when choice can feel like pressure</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>How to build rapport and trust so learners feel safe enough to self-reflect</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Standards check experience: nerves, mindset, communication, and preparation</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Preparing for the 40-minute “snapshot” when your normal lessons are much longer</li></ol><br/><p><strong>Key takeaways:</strong></p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Reduce perceived judgement; keep language neutral and future-focused</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>When someone is triggered, “backing off” can be the most productive move</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Trust and rapport can be the difference between resistance and reflection</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Standards checks are easier to handle when you keep CPD ongoing and reframe it as a positive check of your service</li></ol><br/><p><strong>Guest links / contact:</strong></p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Kat Tomkinson — <strong>Driving Instructor Kat</strong> (Facebook & Instagram)</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Website/contact: <strong><a href="http://drivinginstructorkat.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">drivinginstructorkat.blogspot.com</a></strong></li></ol><br/>
November 15, 2025
<p>In this first episode of the new look Inspire Instructor Training Podcast, host Diana Todd chats with Sarah Baldock, founder of SB Driving School in Maidstone, Kent. Together they explore what it means to be a driving instructor in today’s world — balancing life, learning, and the love of helping others succeed.</p><p>Sarah shares her journey from redundancy to independence, how she uses dashcam footage to reflect on her teaching, and the unexpected lessons learned from her students. The pair also discuss social media — both the opportunities it creates and the challenges it brings — and how instructors can show up authentically online without feeling the pressure to “keep up with the Joneses.”</p><p><br></p><p>Key Topics:</p><p><br></p><p>- Using lesson recordings for self-reflection and CPD</p><p>- Creating a safe, accountable space for pupils to give feedback</p><p>- Managing negativity and staying kind on social media</p><p>- Building your confidence as a mentor and ordinary instructor</p><p>- The importance of compassion and community in the industry</p><p><br></p><p>Best Quotes:</p><p><br></p><p> “You don’t have to write a book, you don’t have to go to expos — just reflect on yourself and do the best you can. That’s enough.” – Sarah Baldock</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> “Being ordinary isn’t a small thing. It’s being real, relatable, and making a difference — one learner, one PDI, one mentee at a time.” – *Diana Todd*</p><p> </p><p> “I watched my lessons back because I wanted to know what made me feel like that — why did that lesson go so well?” – *Sarah*</p><p> </p><p> “Creating an environment where your pupils can hold you accountable is no small feat.” – *Diana*</p><p> </p><p> “We need more compassion in this industry — more walking in each other’s shoes.” – *Diana*</p><p><br></p>
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The Instructor Training Podcast is aimed at Driving Instructors and Trainee Driving Instructors wanting to improve their lessons and pass their Standards Check or Part 3.
Our aim is to break it down and make it simple. I will be joined by some of the best trainers and Adi’s in the business along with chats with Pdi’s to gain their perspective on the process of becoming an instructor.
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