Inspire Instructor Training Podcast

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.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.”Key Topics:- Using lesson recordings for self-reflection and CPD- Creating a safe, accountable space for pupils to give feedback- Managing negativity and staying kind on social media- Building your confidence as a mentor and ordinary instructor- The importance of compassion and community in the industryBest Quotes: “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 “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* “I watched my lessons back because I wanted to know what made me feel like that — why did that lesson go so well?” – *Sarah* “Creating an environment where your pupils can hold you accountable is no small feat.” – *Diana* “We need more compassion in this industry — more walking in each other’s shoes.” – *Diana*

Episode Theme:Stepping into the learner’s role to sharpen your instructor skills, and practical tactics for easing driving-related anxiety.Why Play Learner?Gain fresh perspective on your own training styleSpot best (and worst) teaching habits to adopt or ditchTry something outside your comfort zone—gym theory, workshops, etc.On-the-Move vs Pullover Corrections:If safe and the student can process, correct as you goIf they’re distracted or the situation is complex, pull over for focused feedbackProactive Support Level:Give clear options (“I’ll prompt you for the next three starts…”) instead of “Jump in if I’m wrong”Use scales or student-chosen checkpoints to quantify confidenceManaging Driving Anxiety (3 Pillars):Physical Tension (arms/shoulders) → “Lower your suitcases” relaxation drillRacing Heart → “Smell flowers / blow bubbles” breathingFrozen Feeling → ABC technique (Acknowledge–Build evidence–Calm strategies)Quick Wins:Reframe “anxiety” as “uncomfortable” for more controlUse scaling (1 = Zen guru…10 = straightjacket) to track progressOffer word banks or flash-cards to help students label feelingsTakeaway:Continual CPD gives you a toolbox of techniques—mix and match them to meet each learner’s needs.

In this Book Club edition of the Inspire Instructor Training Podcast, Phil is joined by Terry Cook (The Instructor Podcast), Andy Sinker, and Kev Lynes to explore Start With Why by Simon Sinek. But this isn’t just a book review — it’s a deep, personal dive into why we teach, why we care, and how purpose shapes every lesson we give.The conversation touches on:How your “why” evolves over timeWhy purpose-driven instructors build better driversPersonal stories of learners whose lives changed because their instructor had a missionWhat your pupils might say your why is (and why that matters)If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just want to reconnect with your passion — this one’s for you.🧠 Key Takeaways:“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”Your why can develop over time, through both challenge and reflection.Aligning your work with your values makes tough decisions easier — and more meaningful.Your learners feel your why — and that builds trust, loyalty, and deeper impact.

In our first ever live podcast (streamed on Facebook for members), we dive into practical strategies for driving instructors to take control of what they can—and thrive despite DVSA test‑booking challenges. Plus, Diana shares two “Digs Deeper” coaching moments, and we explore clever learner‑driven terminology for blockers, hazards, and reflection over perfection.0:00 – Welcome & Live Format- Introduction to the live‑recorded video cast for members - How to watch future live recordings on Facebook (membership required) 3:15 – Workshop Announcement - Date & Time: Sunday 20 July, 9:30 – ~16:30 - Location: Walsall - Cost: £120 per person, group discounts available - Focus: client‑centred learning, CPD for driving instructors7:00 – Phil’s thoughts: “Control the Controllables” 1. The DVSA Waiting‑List Problem - Five‑plus‑month waits, scarcity of cancellations - Common reaction: moaning on Facebook—unhelpful 2. Taking Action for Change - Write to your MP and the DVSA (mobilise your pupils to write, too) - Drip‑feeding pressure at scale can move ministers 3. Working the System Today - Hire a test‑finder or virtual assistant and charge a small management fee - Pre‑book tests early (e.g. on theory‑pass day), then adjust as needed - Build in “re‑assessment” checkpoints two months out 4. Maximizing Learner Hours - Encourage private practice between lessons - Consider mini‑intensives if finances/time allow 5. Pricing & Service Models - Offer “test‑management” as a premium add‑on 25:00 – Diana’s “Digs Deeper” Coaching Moments 1. Reframing “Blockers” → “Gap‑Makers”** - Instead of calling oncoming vehicles “blockers,” ask learners what they’d name them - Shift from negative framing (“blockers”) to positive (“gap‑makers”) 2. Perfection vs. Reflection - Encourage “reflection, not perfection” as a mantra for analysis 3. Mini‑Roundabout Design Exercise - Role‑play as the “traffic‑flow engineer” to explore pros/cons of signals vs. roundabouts - Pitch solutions to “road‑safety teams” and “road‑users” to deepen conceptual grasp - Follow up with real‑world practice, then debrief on muscle‑memory vs. theory 38:30 – Learner‑Driven Terminology - **Hazard Traffic‑Light Game:** - **Green hazards:** unlikely to affect your path - **Amber hazards:** may require slowing or manoeuvring - **Red hazards:** will definitely require action (stop, change lane) - Origin: inspired by Hazard Perception Test colour cues 42:00 – Handling Second‑Guessing on Test Day - Is doubt a sign they really “owned” the learning? - Build true understanding, not rote responses - Use controlled “wrong‑way” practice (with safety caveats) to reinforce correct choices - Wean off instructor “micro‑affirmations” (mhm/mhmm) so learners trust their own judgment - 🎙 Join our Facebook membership to watch live Q&As - 🏫 Book your CPD workshop on 20 July (group discounts available) - ⭐ If you found this episode helpful, please rate & review on your podcast app

In this episode, we break down key teaching strategies for driving instructors, including:✅ The Concept of "Driving Independently"How it differs from test-focused "independent driving"Why letting pupils drive without constant instructor input builds confidencePractical exercises to implement this approach in lessons✅ Instructor Self-Analysis for Better TeachingBreaking down subconscious decision-making into teachable stepsBalancing structured lesson plans with pupil needsHelping struggling pupils through observation & reflection🎧 Plus, we cover upcoming training events!🗓 March 12th Zoom: 8 Pitfalls to Avoid for Part 3 & Standards Checks🗓 March 26th Zoom: Learning from the Positives in a Full Fixed Society🗓 March 27th Masterclass: How to Teach Skills Within Topics🗓 March 22nd-23rd Conference: Gala dinner, speakers, and networking🚀 Next Steps for Instructors:✅ Try "driving independently" exercises with your pupils✅ Reflect on your own driving decisions to improve teaching✅ Sign up for the upcoming Zooms and conference💬 What do you think? Have you tried these strategies in your lessons? Let us know in the comments!#DrivingInstructor #InstructorPodcast #DrivingIndependently #InspireTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment

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

🎙️ 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 discuss: 🎯 Coaching in Driver’s EducationWhy 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 CarsStatistics 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 DistractionsStories 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!

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.https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agfb8uKQ9/?mibextid=K35XfPhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1EmTpgpqjM/?mibextid=LQQJ4d#DrivingPodcast #Perimenopause #InstructorTraining  

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

On this episode Phil gets a bit ranty about undertaking, we share our recent fails and Terry Cook shares two great stories with us.

I'm joined by The Instructor Podcast's Terry Cook to discuss our latest book Supercommunicators.