Terry Cook is joined by Terry Lefteri to explore the difference between teaching for the driving test and preparing learners for real-life driving.

Drawing on years of experience and a background in coaching, Lefteri shares how his journey from instruction to coaching reshaped the way he works with learners. The discussion covers why focusing too much on the test can create pressure, how instructors can positively influence learners long after the test, and practical ways to bring coaching into everyday lessons.

Together, the two Terrys reflect on honesty, professional development, and how the language we use shapes outcomes. This episode challenges instructors to think beyond pass rates and towards creating safe, confident drivers for life.

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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

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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:

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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

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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.

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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.

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📲 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:

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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

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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.

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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.

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📲 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:

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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.

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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
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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
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• 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
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• 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