The Instructor

About The Instructor

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.

Publisher

Terry Cook

Category

business · business · education

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

10 Apr 2021

Latest episode

10 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

280 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Oct 2026

   Ask Terry: Are We Preparing PDIs for the Job? - with Stefan Solomenca

   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 (https://patreon.com/theinstructor?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) 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 (https://mailchi.mp/theinstructorpodcast/the-instructor-newsletter) 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insight, links to key industry documents, and a prize giveaway on Mondays. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com (https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGK9RwEVccP6QRA6B0L) 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 (https://www.facebook.com/theinstructorpodcast) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-cook-5233b719a/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the_instructor_pod/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC17J7OJJBG1-05B4QVKGz9Q)

2. 

   30 Sept 2026

   The Ultimate PDI Podcast

   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 (https://patreon.com/theinstructor?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) 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 (https://mailchi.mp/theinstructorpodcast/the-instructor-newsletter) 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insight, links to key industry documents, and a prize giveaway on Mondays. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com (https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGK9RwEVccP6QRA6B0L) 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 (https://www.facebook.com/theinstructorpodcast) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-cook-5233b719a/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the_instructor_pod/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC17J7OJJBG1-05B4QVKGz9Q)

3. 

   31 Aug 2026

   How to Make Driving Lessons Fun

   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 (https://patreon.com/theinstructor?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) 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 (https://mailchi.mp/theinstructorpodcast/the-instructor-newsletter) 📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp Quick insight, links to key industry documents, and a prize giveaway on Mondays. Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com (https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGK9RwEVccP6QRA6B0L) 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 (https://www.facebook.com/theinstructorpodcast) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-cook-5233b719a/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the_instructor_pod/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC17J7OJJBG1-05B4QVKGz9Q)

Who has been a guest on The Instructor

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jono Poon
• Chris Benstead
• Stewart Lochrie
• Debbie Beadle
• James Luckhurst

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

14,621

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

4.8 / 5

32 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 79 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

94

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

85

Contact The Instructor

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  Dipod - The Driving Instructors Podcast

• 

  Driving Instructors to Vision Zero

• 

  Inspire Instructor Training Podcast

• 

  One Minute Driving Instructor Tips

• 

  DRIVE Live

• 

  Test Match Special

Questions about The Instructor