Unlocking the Secrets of Driving Instruction: An AI Take on the Instructor Podcast
Season 9 of The Instructor Podcast is sponsored by MyDriveTime, the industry's premium, award-winning business management app.
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Transcript
The Instructor Podcast with Terry Cook, talking.
Speaker B:With leaders, innovators, experts and game changers about what drives them.
Speaker B:Welcome to the Instructor Podcast.
Speaker B:This is a show that helps you become an even more awesome driving instructor.
Speaker B:And as always, I am your splendid horse, Terry Cook.
Speaker B:I'm delighted to be here, but even more delighted that you have chosen to listen, because I've got a very interesting little episode for you today because friend of the show and friend of mine, Kev Lines, fellow Adi Kev Lines recently sent me a little podcast of his own.
Speaker B:He's been doing some work with AI, in particular Google's Notebook lm, which I'm not familiar with at all.
Speaker B:But what he did was he asked it to create a podcast around the instructor podcast and sent it to me.
Speaker B:And I thought it was absolutely fascinating and obviously fits really nicely into this tech season that we're covering right now.
Speaker B:So that's what you're going to hear in a minute.
Speaker B:It's about eight minutes long and it's fascinating.
Speaker B:It's 100% AI generated.
Speaker B:Talking about the instructor podcast now, it's not 100% accurate, but then again, neither am I.
Speaker B:I think this is probably more accurate than I am, but I just thought I would share this with you guys because I find it absolutely fascinating and big thank you to Kev for sharing it to me.
Speaker B:It's really perked my interest in this, so maybe it's something I'll take a look at, exploring in a bit more detail.
Speaker B:But just before we get into this, actually, might as well give a shout out to my Drive Time, the sponsors of Season nine.
Speaker B:And if you want to find out more about what they have to offer.
Speaker B:Mydrivetime.co.uk is a website, and if you want to find out more about the instructor podcast, well, first of all, you're going to listen to it in a minute.
Speaker B:But second of all.
Speaker B:Www.the instructorpodcast.com Hope you enjoy this little tidbit of a treat for you.
Speaker B:So let's have a listen.
Speaker A:So you want to be a driving instructor, not just, like teach people to drive, but really make a go of it?
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:Like a real business.
Speaker A:Yeah, exactly.
Speaker C:Career.
Speaker A:Like turn it into a thriving business, huh?
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Well, we're diving into something called the Instructor podcast today.
Speaker C:Sounds promising.
Speaker A:It seems like it's packed with resources all about that, and just from glancing at it, it seems like they go way beyond the, like, basic driving stuff, right?
Speaker A:Yeah, like they have episodes on all sorts of stuff interesting from coaching.
Speaker A:Yeah, like how to coach your students to Business management.
Speaker C:Okay.
Speaker A:Even things like mindfulness.
Speaker C:Mindfulness.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:And how to use social media effectively, which I think is pretty cool.
Speaker C:I mean, it makes sense, right?
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker C:It's more than just teaching someone how to, you know.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker C:Not stall out when they're starting on a hill.
Speaker A:Right, Exactly.
Speaker C:You got to run the business, you got to get the clients.
Speaker C:Got to become happy.
Speaker A:Exactly.
Speaker A:Exactly.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:It is interesting how they recognize that being a successful driving instructor is more than just knowing how to drive.
Speaker C:Totally.
Speaker A:Like you were saying, teaching someone to parallel park, that's one thing.
Speaker A:But like, what about helping a nervous student stay calm during their test?
Speaker C:Oh my gosh.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Like that's a whole other skill set.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker A:And that's where I guess mindfulness techniques would come in handy.
Speaker A:Right?
Speaker C:That's a great point.
Speaker A:I would think so.
Speaker C:Never thought about that.
Speaker C:Yeah, but that's really smart.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:I mean, personally, I'm not like a business expert or anything either, but.
Speaker A:Yeah, but just having, you know, some resources on marketing management, especially for someone just starting out.
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker A:Yeah, exactly.
Speaker C:Like that would be so helpful.
Speaker A:It'd be huge.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:And speaking of resources, they've built up quite a library.
Speaker C:Oh, really?
Speaker A:Over 200 episodes.
Speaker C:Wow.
Speaker A:I mean, 200 episodes, that's a lot of content.
Speaker A:That's a lot.
Speaker C:They must have.
Speaker A:They must have covered every possible video.
Speaker A:I would imagine so.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Whether you're just starting out.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Or if you've been teaching for years.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:You'd think there'd be something in there for everyone.
Speaker A:You'd think so.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:And it's not just like quantity over quality.
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker A:They've had some real industry experts as guests.
Speaker C:Oh, like.
Speaker A:Oh, people like Bob Morton.
Speaker C:I've heard of him.
Speaker C:He's supposed to be really good.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:And San Harper.
Speaker C:Oh yeah.
Speaker C:You know those guys.
Speaker A:I've actually seen them speak at some conferences.
Speaker C:Wow.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:They really know their stuff.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:They're like big names in the driving instruction world.
Speaker A:Definitely.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker C:So having access to like their insights.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:Especially if you would be pretty value.
Speaker A:Want to like grow your business or something.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Especially for, you know, people who are trying to like take it to the next level.
Speaker A:Yeah, exactly.
Speaker C:And on top of all that.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker C:Like all that free content, there's more.
Speaker A:They also offer a premium subscription with like extra perks and stuff.
Speaker C:Like what?
Speaker A:So the premium subscription gives you access to things like standard checklists.
Speaker C:Uh huh.
Speaker A:But they're broken down by competency.
Speaker C:Oh, interesting.
Speaker A:Which, I mean, that seems like it'd be super helpful for any instructor.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:But especially someone who's newer to the profession.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Could you break those checklists down for me?
Speaker C:Oh, sure.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Like, I'm not a driving instructor.
Speaker C:Right, of course.
Speaker A:So what are those?
Speaker C:Well, so these checklists are basically, they lay out all the skills that a student needs to demonstrate to pass their driving test.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker C:So it helps instructors, like, make sure they're covering all the bases and that their students are, like, fully prepared when that test day comes.
Speaker A:Makes sense.
Speaker C:Like, you know, imagine you're teaching and you've got this checklist.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker C:You can just go through it.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker C:And make sure they can do all these things.
Speaker A:Exactly.
Speaker C:And, you know, they'll be ready.
Speaker A:No surprises.
Speaker C:Yeah, exactly.
Speaker C:No surprises.
Speaker A:I could see how that would be, like, a relief for both.
Speaker C:Totally.
Speaker A:The instructor and the student.
Speaker C:Especially for new instructors.
Speaker A:Yeah, especially new instructors.
Speaker C:It's like having a roadmap.
Speaker A:Oh, that's a good way to put it to success.
Speaker C:Right?
Speaker A:A roadmap.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:So you know exactly what you need to cover.
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker A:And the student knows what they need to be able to do.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker A:And then everyone's happy.
Speaker C:And less stress.
Speaker A:Less stress.
Speaker A:Less stress.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:So it's not just about passing the test.
Speaker C:No, no, no.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker C:There's more to it.
Speaker A:The premium subscription.
Speaker A:I mean, this is pretty cool.
Speaker C:What is it?
Speaker A:It also offers, like, insights into different ways to run a driving school.
Speaker C:Oh, okay.
Speaker A:Like, they want you to think outside the box.
Speaker C:That's cool.
Speaker A:And explore alternative business models.
Speaker C:Like what?
Speaker A:So maybe you want to specialize in teaching nervous drivers.
Speaker C:Yeah, yeah.
Speaker A:Or offering online courses.
Speaker C:Interesting.
Speaker A:Like, there are all these different possibilities.
Speaker C:So they're really pushing people to think differently.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker C:It's like, be more entrepreneurial.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:Be more entrepreneurial.
Speaker C:I like that.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:Find your niche, you know?
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:So I think it's really cool how they're like.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Pushing instructors to think bigger.
Speaker C:I agree.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:Like, take control of their careers.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:And, like, find success on their own terms.
Speaker C:That's inspiring.
Speaker A:It is.
Speaker A:And to give you, like, a sense of how all this plays out.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:They have, like, a bunch of testimonials.
Speaker C:Cool.
Speaker A:From real driving instructors.
Speaker C:Love that.
Speaker C:Love that.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:It's always good to hear from the people who are actually using the product.
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker A:So one guy, Stefan.
Speaker A:Plus, he talks about how the podcast has helped him grow both personally and professionally.
Speaker C:Wow.
Speaker A:And he specifically mentions how valuable the premium content is.
Speaker C:Okay.
Speaker A:And, like, the range of topics that they cover.
Speaker C:So it's not just the basic stuff.
Speaker C:He's really diving deep.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:He's really taking advantage of everything they offer.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Then you have Joe Wilson.
Speaker C:Okay.
Speaker A:And they really emphasize the, like, sense of community.
Speaker A:Oh, interesting that the podcast provides.
Speaker C:Okay.
Speaker A:Like, they feel like they're part of something bigger.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:And that they're not alone, you know?
Speaker A:Oh, but that's helpful in the challenges of being a driving instructor.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:Because it can be kind of lonely, right.
Speaker A:Yeah, I would think so.
Speaker C:Just you in the car, the student, all day long.
Speaker C:Yeah, that's a good point.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:So having that support system, I think, would be.
Speaker C:Yeah, I can see that being really valuable.
Speaker A:Really valuable.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:And, like, Joe specifically mentions enjoying the premium content from people like Bob Morton, Chris Benstead.
Speaker C:Oh, yeah.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:And Santa Harper.
Speaker C:Big names.
Speaker A:Yeah, the big names.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:And, like, last but not least, there's Les Hopkinson.
Speaker C:Okay.
Speaker A:And they rave about, like, how practical the advice is.
Speaker C:Okay.
Speaker A:They say it's actually helped them make improvements to their business and their teaching methods.
Speaker C:That's what you want, right?
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:Like, what's the point if it's not actionable?
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:You want to be able to take something away from it.
Speaker A:Yeah, exactly.
Speaker C:And actually apply it to your life.
Speaker A:Exactly, exactly.
Speaker C:And improve things.
Speaker C:So it sounds like it's not just theory.
Speaker C:It's, like, real practical stuff that you can actually use.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:Tips and tricks of the trade and all that stuff.
Speaker A:So there we have it.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:We've taken a look at the instructor podcast.
Speaker C:Sounds like a great resource, which seems.
Speaker A:Like a pretty incredible resource for anyone looking to become a better driving instructor.
Speaker A:Not just in terms of, like, your teaching skills, but, like, business savvy.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:And, like, overall professional growth.
Speaker C:Totally.
Speaker C:The whole package.
Speaker A:The whole package.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:So I guess, like, thinking about all the different aspects of the job that they cover.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Like coaching, business.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Even mindfulness.
Speaker C:Wow.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:There's a lot there.
Speaker A:What area, like, resonates most with you?
Speaker C:That's a good question.
Speaker A:Like, if you were a driving instructor, what would you want to focus on?
Speaker C:You know, I think for me, I'd be most interested in the business side of things.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker C:Because that's what I feel like I could learn the most, you know, like, how to really market myself, how to attract more students.
Speaker A:Exactly.
Speaker C:How to manage my finances effectively.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:The stuff they don't teach you.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker A:In driver's ed.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:So that would be my focus.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker C:But it's great that they offer so much variety because there really is something for everyone.
Speaker A:Yeah, exactly.
Speaker A:If you're looking to, like, up your game and find success in the world of driving instruction.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:Seems like the instructor podcast is a good place to start.
Speaker C:Definitely a great resource.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:A great starting point.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker A:All right, well, thanks for diving in with me today.
Speaker C:Yeah, this was really interesting.
Speaker A:We'll see you next time.
Speaker C:Okay.
Speaker A:Sounds good for another deep dive.
Speaker C:Bye.
Speaker B:The instructor podcast with Terry Cook.
Speaker A:Talking with leaders, innovators, experts, and game.
Speaker B:Changers about what drives them.
