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Published on:

24th May 2026

From the Vault: How Driving Instructors Impact Road Safety

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In this special "From the Vault" episode, originally recorded in 2024 and newly remastered for 2026, Terry Cook sits down with Stewart Lochrie of Bright Coaching to look at road safety and instructor responsibility.

Terry and Stewart tackle the tough topics that many in the industry turn away from. They dive deep into poignant lessons from road safety campaigners and bereaved parents, challenging the emotional detachment that can easily creep into daily instruction.

This conversation shifts the focus from merely getting a student to pass a test to actively shaping post-test driving behaviour. You’ll explore:

  • The critical difference between fault and taking professional responsibility.
  • The stark reality of teaching "safe daytime driving" versus true safe driving for life.
  • The psychological impact of smartphones and attention theft on young drivers.
  • Practical, high-standard habits you can introduce immediately, from multi-pupil distraction exercises to parent integration.

As Stewart and Terry remind us throughout this episode, you might not change all 40,000 instructors overnight, but you can choose to do something today that prevents road harm.

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About the Podcast

The Instructor
Talking to leaders, innovators and experts from inside and outside the driving instructor industry
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.

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About your host

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Terry Cook

A driving instructor for 6 years and a podcaster for 6 months!