Six 4 Sixty #3 - The ADI Avengers get a new member!

Episode 8 • 17th December 2023 • The Instructor • Terry Cook

Speaker A: The instructor podcast with Terry Cook, talking.

Speaker B: With leaders, innovators, experts and game changers about what drives them.

Speaker A: Welcome to the Instructor podcast. This is a show where I help you become an even more awesome driving instructor and potentially run a better driving school. As always, I am your splendid host, Terry Cook. I'm delighted to be here and even more delighted that you have chosen to listen because today we've got another one of those very special shows for you where I'm joined by six trainers who are taking six questions. Now I'm joined by five of the usual rabble that come along, but unfortunately I've had to spot Bob Martin out. But fortunately I've got Kev Field in who does a cracking job. So I'm sure you get a lot from this episode, as always, really insightful. But just before we get stuck in, I want to give you a shout out to go and click subscribe wherever you're listening, make sure you click subscribe so it drops into your feed whenever we release a new episode. And just a little nudge, check out the Instructor podcast on Spotify. I'm loving what Spotify are doing with new features and we can get chapters over there and all kinds of cool stuff. So if you're not using Spotify already, well worth checking out. But for now, let's get stuck into the show. Today on the Instructor podcast, I am joined by six of the best trainers in the whole wide world. We have, however, swapped out Bob Martin for Kev Field. So I will let you love the listeners decide whether that is upgrade or downgrade, and you can vote after the show. I think you can vote. I'll put a poll up. That can be the Spotify poll. Upgrade or downgrade. No humiliation intended either way. But yes, I'm joined by six of my Adi Avengers and they are going to be tackling six questions, some of which have been sent in and some of which are my own creation. But as always, I am going to throw a little curveball to begin with and give them a question that they haven't had the opportunity to see. And I want zero context and zero clarification for this question. So are you a better driver, driving instructor or driving instructor trainer? And I want one answer with no context. I'm going to start with you, Neil. Are we a better driver, driving instructor or driving instructor trainer?

Speaker C: I would say better driving instructor trainer.

Speaker A: Emma?

Speaker D: Driving instructor trainer.

Speaker E: Kev Driver?

Speaker A: Lee Driver?

Speaker F: Chris, none of the above.

Speaker A: I'll take that. And Phil Brainer, fascinated by those answers and as always, annoyed myself by not wanting any context, but let's move on to the first question. And this question was thrown in as a last minute entry by me because as of recording today, the pcs, which is the public and something services, I don't know, have announced that examiners are likely to be striking soon with over 90% of members, 90% of members that voted voting for strike actions. So the question I'm going to put to you guys is, should they be striking and how can adis prepare their students? And you can interpret that question however you want. Should they be striking and how can adis prepare their students? So I'm going to ask you first.

Speaker E: Neil.

Speaker C: So should they be striking? They've probably got a reason for striking, but that's down to them. All we can do is prepare our students in the same way we've been doing for the test delay and covering the strikes from before. I think we've just got to ride it out and see what happens. To be quite honest, don't know what else we can do. We can't intervene with it, we can't get involved in it. So just let it ride it out.

Speaker A: Okay. And same question to you, Emma. Should there be striking and how can we work with our students?

hink it's been a battle since: 2020

Speaker A: Excellent. And I'm going to come to you, Kev, for your first contribution. So if you could talk in a Geordie accent and insult the DVSA, that would be awesome.

Speaker E: Can I do all the above? But not that, because I think when you talk about strikes, people don't do this lightly. From my background, they've probably got a reason to do that. It's the last resort. Normally that strike action is taken and I don't really know what they're striking for. It's the terms and conditions and they want to change the working ways, I suppose, is way of putting it. But I agree with them. If they've got a reason, there's obviously a reason for them to do it. How do you prepare your students? Well, you just do what you normally do, tell them in advance, make them aware of what might happen so they don't turn up on the day, and then there's a big shock it might happen. We don't know who's striking, we don't know what's going on. So just prepare them as much as you can, but tell them we can communicate, and the DVSA obviously need to communicate with us. 60 seconds. Look at that. I'm pretty good in it.

Speaker A: Yeah, you're welcome back. We'll make it seven for seven to ask. Too complicated. Lee, same question for you. Should there be striking and how can we prepare students?

Speaker B: Yeah, absolutely they should. Like everyone else has said, they've got their reasons for change. And if you can force through the change that you want, then absolutely you should do what you need to do. Sometimes that's the last resort, isn't it, in our country, in terms of what we should do with our students? Like everyone else has said, it's just a case of communicating out. And when they do this, they tend to say, turn up, and maybe your examiner will be on strike and maybe they won't. So sometimes I don't think it's helpful to sort of tell the students that maybe the test will go ahead and maybe it won't. In the past, I found it better just to sort of let's just see how it goes because I don't want them to be distracted by maybe not doing the test and maybe doing the test and let's just turn up and see what happens. And sometimes I've done that and the whole gates to the test center have been shut, and sometimes our examiner wasn't on the strike and everyone else's were. So just turn up and see how you get on.

Speaker A: Excellent. Two time limits for east already. That's good. Chris, same question to you.

Speaker F: Yeah, so I think absolutely the public and commercial services union just help you out, should strike if they feel it's appropriate to do so, because we don't know. What we do know is trying to get change from the DVSA is challenging. So I think in a way we should recognize that they're probably facing the same issues as we are from that kind of movement perspective. It's really difficult when it's the pupil that's affected, but we want good, happy examiners that are doing a good job, and I think we need to support that. So it's regional, it depends on your local test center and who gets affected. But absolutely, I think we need to be recognizing that need for action. If they're feeling that strongly and they're the ones that are going to suffer, then we need to be acknowledging that and not blaming the staff rather than the DVSA and remembering the difference between the two.

Speaker A: Same question to you, Phil.

Speaker G: Yes, I think they should be striking, if nothing else, but because they voted for it and that's how democracy works. And if they believe they should be, they absolutely should be. And I think as instructors, we should be supporting them because we want them out there being able to do a good job. I think from a point of view of your pupils communication, just make sure they know what's going on. I agree with Lee where you don't necessarily want them in the mindset that they might not take a test. So I think you need to work with your pupil to make them aware that they might take their test. And therefore let's go. Planning to take a test, maybe as an idea, actually, if you get there and they haven't and you don't have a test, is do a mock test with them instead, so that they're in the mindset that they're going to do some sort of test, whether it's a real one or a mock one, and that might get them in the right frame of mind.

Speaker A: And you guys know, and anyone listening know that I rarely give any kind of opinion on this. I sit back and let you guys do it. But I'm going to on this one because I fully agree they should be striking if that's what they voted for. And over 50% of members did take part in the vote of over 90% voting to strike, which is quite comprehensive, especially when you consider we struggle to get more than 5% of people voting in our industry. So, yeah, fair enough. And I am in contact, and I've been in contact with the pcs today and we're hoping to get someone on the show soon to find out a bit more, which will be quite cool. But let's move on because I want to move to the second question, which is what changes would you make to the UK driving test? And we're coming to you first on this one. Emma, what changes would you make to the UK driving test?

Speaker D: I've been pondering this one, so the only one I pondered, actually, I think the only changes that I would make is that the driving test starts in the test center, where the examiner gets to see some sort of log or some sort of overview of that student's progress to this point. How have they got there? And other than that, I actually like the driving test. I think it includes a lot of real life stuff since we've gone to like Satnav, following signs and more realistic maneuvers. So that would be the only thing I would change.

Speaker A: Good stuff. And same question to you, kev, what changes would you make to the UK driving test?

Speaker E: Suppose I'm going to be controversial, but I would like to see it longer, up to an hour minimum. But I'd also like to see, in an ideal world, that they're retested in two years time. I think that's totally out there, never going to happen, but I would love to see it brought in. I just think the 38 or 35, 40 minutes, whatever it is at the moment, it could be quite easy, make it an hour. But then they also know they're going to get retested in two years time, or should I say reassessed.

Speaker A: I'm liking these answers. Lee, what changes would you make to the driving test?

Speaker B: I think when I was kind of looking at this, my mind went to what can be done to make it so fewer bad drivers slip through the net and are granted access to our roads. And I think a lot of that falls on our shoulders before they arrive on the test, sort of creating drivers who think right and therefore drive right. But in terms of the test itself, I'd lower the amount of faults allowed. I know that's going to be controversial, but the standard should be higher. 15 is pathetic. People aim for a minimum standard when you give them 15 faults. I'd like to see learners starting at 16 but not being able to pass the test until the 17. And that would create less urgency so you wouldn't rush through your training. There'd be less point to do so, more reflection time in between, so more learning in between. And it'd also make retesting compulsory. I'd say first one after twelve months and then every five years to keep standards up and catch out those who fluke through it. And I think it'd keep tabs on the aging drivers who might be losing their abilities to see and react. So sort of like a standard check system. If you fail three times, you lose your license until you start again and pass again.

Speaker A: Snuck in extra 10 seconds there, but we'll let you off because a second one for retesting. Chris, are you going to carry the same thoughts for any of those? Have you got anything new to add around changes for the driving test?

Speaker F: I'd initially ban adis from focusing on it. That would be my first step, because then we're not worried about what the test is. It's irrelevant. I'd move it to 18, which we should have done at the end of COVID and it would have made road safer and we wouldn't have a waiting list. I'd change the theory heavily and make it up to date relevant and change the focus there. I would also go for a graduated system, so there was some form of follow up afterwards, possibly using insurance companies or something like that to do it, though, rather than testing, because they can't manage what they've got. And then standardization of routes so that you can't have the. There's a local thing you need to know to pass it here approach. So examiners actually step in at that point. And I probably reduce the number of faults down, the accumulative faults down to ten instead of having them at 15.

Speaker A: Impressed but not surprised. You managed to get the theory test wedged in there somewhere. Phil, same question to you.

Speaker G: So I'm going to agree with Kev. I think it should be longer. I think it should be an hour longer assessment, not a test. And I think we should scrap faults full stop and make it more of a competency based assessment, a little bit like the standards check and the part three where you have to go and show that you are competent at certain skills that the DVSA can set out. They can give me a ring and ask me the skills if they like, but it's a competency base. So you're trying to show the examiner what you can do rather than trying not to make a mistake. And if you do make a mistake, you have the opportunity within the hour to go and show that you are still competent at that thing. And it was just a one off moment, and the examiner should have discretion to be able to change the route during that hour to assess that. And I think that would change the way we teach pupils as well, because we'd be looking at positives rather than faults.

Speaker A: I like it. And, Neil, have you got anything to add to all that? Are you very much on the same wavelength?

Speaker C: Well, a little bit different, actually, because I'd like to see it more like the part two test where it's only six faults. I would like to see them bring back all the maneuvers. So left reverse, right reverse, turn in a road and all that, and add another one in, putting a uturn in as well, so it is more real life and just adding it to a bit more longer but then I do like the fact that assessment after two years, so that graduated license, but also reducing the categories down that they can drive once they've passed an attest until they've been reassessed. So it's just putting extra in. So six faults, all the maneuvers, so they've got more to choose from and two in a test, and then obviously just bit more graduated stuff, gently feeding them into faster cars by way of.

ngs into the driving test for: 2024

Speaker F: We have a relationship.

Speaker A: Yes, a relationship. That's what I said to my ex wife recently. Kev, we are coming to you to kick off this one and we're going to ask, what advice would you give to someone looking to go independent? I will just say this was a question sent in by someone privately that wanted to remain anonymous. So what advice would you give to someone that was looking to go independent?

Speaker E: First off, do it is the simple bit. Do it. If you're thinking about it, there's obviously a reason behind it. Build your network so you have people around you. When you think of franchise, I think it's really good because you've got a support there. When you go independent, you tend to lose a little bit of that. So make sure you've got a support network to. Who can I ask? If I've run short of pupils one day, who can I talk to that could help me out a little bit? So definitely do it. Get a support network around you. Yeah. And start enjoying it, working for yourself.

Speaker A: Good stuff. Same to you. Lee, what advice would you offer to someone looking to go independent?

Speaker B: I'd say look at the numbers first. Do you rely on your franchise to generate business or do you get a lot of customers through word of mouth? If the majority is through your franchise, well, what's the plan? How are you going to replace that? Are you going to plan on advertising? How much is that going to cost? How much it's going to cost to advertise and rent or buy a car and tax it and insure it and service it and get replacement glass and tires and look at those numbers and ask yourself at the end, is it worth it? If it's worth it, then do it. If it's going to add stress, if you feel stressed already, and it may have been, it might not be worth it, but I think everyone's different, aren't they? So whatever works for you, then it works for you. But my advice would be, if you want to do it, then do it. If you don't like it, you can go back, can't you? So it's not the end of the world. Either way. It's not a lot of risk. But like it's been said already, if you're thinking about doing it, there's reasons why. So try it. See how it goes, see how you get on. And if you don't like it, then go back.

Speaker A: Risks.

Speaker F: Don'T do it unless you're certain that it's the whole franchise picture or being independent, whether it's that binary choice, because actually not all franchises are the same. So firstly, I would definitely consider what you don't like and what you're not happy with. And is there another option out there? Because we need to compare those options to see if we're getting it right. If you do decide that you want to leave, be really honest with yourself about what you're **** at and then put strategies for that in place because that might be something that you actually think. I need a franchise of some kind in there to support those, or can I get other solutions in there in its place? But, yeah, not all franchises are a bad thing. I think when people say franchise, they mean national, faceless, treat you like a commodity franchise. And I know at least a couple of people that don't run those.

Speaker A: I have a very long list of things I'm bad at. It's why I get you guys on these calls, so I can pretend people have sent me these questions and ask them the questions that I've been pondering. Phil, Phil, what would you advice would you give to someone?

Speaker G: I'm going to fully echo what Chris said. That was basically my answer I had written down was, yeah. Ask yourself, is it that franchise you want to leave, or is it you actually want to go solo? Maybe because you've got plans for ahead and make the decision based on that. Because not all franchises are the same. If it is, you want to go solo because maybe you've got grander plans and you want to expand or just for whatever reason you want to go solo. I would say invest in yourself and make sure you are continuously improving so that you don't get left behind and caught up stagnating, basically. And I would probably suggest that when you first start that you invest in business things rather than driving destructive things. And sorry, Terry, I can't see the clock on that one. So I just carried on talking.

Speaker A: There may have been someone accidentally forget to press a button on there, but either way, I think it was less than 60 seconds, so we're all good. Another thing to add to the list of things I'm **** at. Neil, whatever the question was, answer it.

Speaker C: I think you've got to look at your franchise that you're in. Decide whether it's something you really want to be in or you want to move out of it. And if you do, make sure you've looked at the business side of running a business. Don't just jump into it and just explain because running a driving school is a business. I would also tag myself around a person that you feel really comfortable and could trust and be a mentor for you, but also be part of local associations to have that support network as well. But mainly it is what the guys have been saying. Not all franchises are bad. Some are there for help and support and some are there for the other types of things that they want to do. Corrupt you and get your money, but there we go. But it's all about you and it's what you feel and how you feel you're going to improve yourself.

Speaker A: The next question is which franchises are out there to corrupt and take your money. Is that because it's yours? Chris, are you putting your hand up there?

Speaker F: I've got a list.

Speaker A: Right.

Speaker E: Okay.

Speaker A: Is it longer or shorter than the things I'm **** at?

Speaker F: We're getting it. I'm not good at maths.

Speaker E: I can't get that high.

Speaker A: Emma, what advice would you offer?

Speaker D: I think reiterating a lot of what's been said, really, I think, really consider why you're leaving the franchise. What is it that franchise is offering? What are they not offering? Is that available with a different one? Or is it you do want to go independent and you want to start doing it for yourself? I think one of the things is, if they're considering that right now, is that we're quite a busy industry right now, and to think outside the box that at some point we will decline. It won't be this busy forever. It just makes business sense to forecast for quieter times, too. So if they're going to do that, reiterating what the guy said about business training and things, include things like marketing, advertising, that type of thing, and get yourself visible as much as possible, even in the busy time.

Speaker A: I like it and for the person asked the question and for anyone listening, there are people that have answered that just there that have been independent, been a franchisee, run driving schools, and they've given some really awesome advice that isn't biased. So person listening, really take that on board. I think some really good advice there. But I am going to move on to the next question. And I think that, Lee, you may have had to change your answer to this one recently, because the question I'm asking you is, who on this call would you ask for help and why?

Speaker B: When I read this one, I thought, this is not particularly a fair question because I think everyone in this group know I could learn so much from every single one of them. Because you're all awesome. Everyone, I suppose, would expect me to say Bob, but he's not here, so stuff him. I'm going to go with Chris. Not just because I enjoy bears, but because his expertise regarding working with customers with special needs is like an area that I think I could and probably should have a better and more extensive knowledge and understanding of. So I think working with Chris would add another string to my bow as a trainer so I could pass his great knowledge on to pdis and make the whole world more whole.

Speaker E: Thank you.

Speaker A: Chris probably understands there's a time difference between America and the UK. Speaking of which, Chris, who on this call would you ask for help and why?

Speaker F: I didn't understand there was a time difference between home and here, so I nearly. But it depends what help you want. I think that's for me, that's the thing. So if it was retirement advice, but he's not here. Hair care, obviously we know who to go to for that one. It just depends on what you want. I think all of us will recognize we've got a specialism, so I definitely want to work with Kev. We keep saying that and we're going to do something there. So I'd love to work with Kev, but if I'm really, really honest, it's probably Terry, because he does exactly that, which is I can ask him a question and he goes, I haven't got a clue, but you should speak to this person. This person? This person. A number of which are in the room. So that would be my answer.

Speaker A: There you go. That one. Nice. That was unexpected. You want to come to me for help? Because I could send you to someone else. That's lovely, Phil. Who would you go to for help on this call?

Speaker G: It's all very lovely and Christmassy, isn't it? Everyone being. I. I thought about so Lou was always the person I would go to for any sort of instructor based training. And I think I've replaced that now with the admins from Lou's PDI group. And that's where I go for that sort of stuff. And everyone here is really excellent for that, but I just have those trusted people. So I think my answer to this, who's on this zoom? Is who? I have asked for help on this zoom, which is what, Terry, for being able to bounce ideas off and business coaching sort of kind of ideas. And again, I go to Chris for theory stuff and just general DVSA and industry knowledge. And also if I just want some sort of. Kind of weird, quirky answer to one of my questions. So, yeah, that's who I go to for my sort of advice.

Speaker A: Lovely. You said me, though. Phil, do you want a bit of extra time?

Speaker E: Are you okay?

Speaker G: You can pay me later.

Speaker A: Neil, same question to you.

Speaker C: Well, that's a difficult one, because I'm a sort of person. I would like to work with everybody on this call, to be quite honest. I do work with Kev, and I've worked with yourself, Terry, and I think I've worked a little bit with Chris before. So I like to check everybody's opinions and then analyze it and then put it into my. So. So I'm a bit of a collective. I like lots and lots of different views.

Speaker A: When I first typed this question out, I edited it because at first it was which one person would you? And I thought, no, I can't be that mean. I've got to let you choose multiple. Emma, who are you working with?

Speaker D: Well, I've worked with several people on this room already, so that says a lot, doesn't it? Which is good, but I think the same as know looking at the screen in front of me. It depends on what I want. It depends on what I'm looking for, because every person here would bring something different. Phil's got a small franchise school local to him, so that's similar to me. So that would be something that I would go to Phil for. Kevin, Neil have already worked with literally this know bush up on audit stuff. Chris, obviously for theory things, and then for training for Lee, because the amount of stuff that we see with Lee and feedback that we get, he's obviously doing a good, you know, everyone. And I've worked with Terry too.

Speaker A: There's a lot of love on this call tonight. I'm liking it. It is a festive spirit, Phil. I agree. It's a festive spirit. Kev, who are you going to work with.

Speaker E: I'm going to say, well, Chris, because he's mentioned me and he was so nice with it, but also I'm going to say Leo, because he's definitely my partner in crime, Emma, because she's just so nice, isn't she? She's just know. I've never worked with Phil and Lee, so maybe the new year, I am going to make an effort to talk to them more and know how we can help each other, because I think that is what it's all about, isn't it? Whatever I ask, I'm going to be able to answer back and just get some input from both sides. And Terry, I'm always going to be working with you.

Speaker A: Well, that's lovely. And from my point, I've got to.

Speaker E: Say Bob as well, because he's given me this opportunity. So, yeah, I'm working with Bob as well, because he's a really nice person as well.

Speaker A: We might keep Kevin, we'll swap someone else out every time and move you around. But no, I think you're all awesome. I love working with you all and I think I've worked with everyone on this call in one way or another, but I've only been in the house of one person on this call and that's also going to be a Spotify question. So there you go. Next question, and we're going to start with you with this one. Chris, who on this call would you refuse to work with? No. How do you explain the pull up on the right maneuver? And have you found a way to relate to everyday driving? Now, this was a question on my Facebook group and I've completely forgotten who sent it and I've got to write down, so apologies. But how do you explain the pull up on the right maneuver? And have you found a way to relate it to everyday driving?

Speaker F: Yes, you are picking up a curry. You pull up on the right hand side to go and pick it up, and when you come out, there's a lorry in front of you we can't see down the road. So what are you going to do to deal with the lorry? Reverse back so you get a better view and then safely move on to correct side of the road and carry on your journey. So you just imagine the invisible lorry as a visible lorry, because otherwise that wouldn't make sense. And then you deal with the hazard that could be there. It makes it probably the most real life, genuine maneuver out of the test.

Speaker A: Bill, what about you?

Speaker G: Pretty much the same, although mine's not picking up a curry. Mine's going to the. Actually, I would probably expand that a little bit and go to the shops and put the shops on the right hand side and pull over by the shops so it feels real. And then with the lorry thing, go and find a van or a lorry, pull up behind it and make them reverse back until they can see. Create these scenarios. Make it real. Yeah. So I think that's it, really. Just, like, make it real. Maybe go to their friend's house, but make sure you're coming down the road so it's on the right, and then actually ask them the question, like, which side of the road would you pull over on this now? Would you pull over on the left and cross the road? Or would you pull over on the right? Or drive down a road where pulling over on the right seems to be what everyone's doing and then bring that into the conversation? So, yeah, just put them in those. Forget about the driving test, just put them in the scenarios where they need to pull over on the right and then put them in the scenarios where they have to reverse because they can't see.

Speaker A: I had a student over there that said to me she'd never seen me as excited because I'd seen a skip. And while we'll drive along, and I got ridiculously excited because I get to parallel park around it and she's like, I've never seen anyone as happy as you when you'd seen this skip. There you go, Neil. Pull up on the right. How do you explain it and how do you relate to everyday driving?

Speaker C: Yeah, same sort of thing, really. Just use an house that they would think was their mates, or pull up outside their mates, just get them to think it's a right turn, but they're parking on the left. So using them sort of rules, but mainly it's just putting it into real life situations and open. Pray somebody's pulled up in front of you when you've stopped so that you can reverse back. But if not, like you say, just find another car and pull up on the right in front of it and then just explain why they've got to reverse back and make sure they do. Effective observations.

Speaker A: Same to you, Emma.

Speaker D: This one, I generally have a conversation with the student, figure out what their life's like. So I've had a student who had an elderly grandma, so we're imagining we're picking her up and her house is on the right and we don't want to walk her in the road. I've had others with kids, young children, they're in the car seat on the right and you don't want to again be getting them out when you're in the road and you've got to park on the right. So I've had sort of different, bring different scenarios to different students, really try and relate it to their life scenario of why they would need to use that side of the road and why that passenger door needs to be opened. But I really do like Chris's curry thing. That probably would relate more likely to most of my students.

Speaker F: I make them buy the curry and then I have it later.

Speaker B: Really nice idea, Kev.

Speaker A: Same to you.

Speaker E: Again, it's scenario based, isn't it? I think real life put it up on the right outside friend's house. But I suppose our favorite one is be a delivery driver and just practice being a delivery driver and you're delivering these down the road as quick as possible, what would you do? And you have to go to each side of the road, you have to park, you have to move. And nine times out of ten they even try pulling up on the path as well because that's what delivery drivers do. So again, you're just putting it into a real life situation for me in this one.

Speaker A: Good stuff. And last but by no means least, Lee.

Speaker B: I've probably read this a different way to everyone else. So in terms of explaining how to do it, we look at the skills that we've already got in the bag. Really. Like have we turned right into a side road before? And if we can do that, then what can we compare to that? And I suppose it works the other way around as well. If we've only done parking on the right and we've not done junctions yet, then what skills can we use from that to make that comparison? I mean there's loads of comparisons that you can make from everyday driving, like people suggest. Like everyone said, I suppose you could look at it and think it's like one of those scenarios where you pull upon the right next to the shop and then you reverse back because you're blocking a driveway and then you go nah, I don't want my shopping now.

Speaker E: And you go again.

Speaker B: But that's a bit silly. But like everyone said, it's kind of putting it into real life scenarios. And I think a good one is asking them to just pull up and don't say left or right and just have a road where maybe it's clearly a double yellow down the left and just see what they do. And it can create a conversation and it can create learning through that conversation.

Speaker A: Great answer, but another 10 seconds stolen. So that's coming off your time to promote yourself later on. But I've said it before and I'll say it again, if people only listen to one episode or one kind of series around the trip to podcast, it should be this. Because the fact that you've got you guys giving this incredible wisdom on most parts I think is brilliant. And I love the fact curries and kids and shops and mates, house and delivery drivers and grandparents and all sorts there. So yes, definitely ways to put that into a real life context. But we're going to move on to the last question of the day and probably my favorite, if I'm being honest. So we're coming to you, Phil, appropriately, I think for this one, looking at the only one that's made a ******* effort today. If you delivered lessons on Christmas Day, how would you make the lessons christmassy and fun?

Speaker G: Well, just like this first is definitely how I would start that lesson. Maybe a bit of Bailey's. I was trying to think about this because I just wouldn't. So I don't know. But then I actually had a thought because you've got your podcast coming out, twelve days of Christmas. So I thought we could have the twelve days of driving lessons and something along the line and I haven't really thought this fully through but something along the lines of during the lesson the pupil has to tick off the twelve days of Christmas so they have to show me twelve amazing mirror checks and I don't know, seven brilliant move offs and five, I've not gone the whole list but I think you could create a twelve days of Christmas list and the pupil has to show you moments of doing that and then they win a mince pie.

Speaker B: I can just imagine like six varieties of birds in the back of your car.

Speaker A: Now there's a joke about having six, right, is a birds at the back of my car somewhere, but I'm not going to make it. But I will say that, yes, you mentioned the twelve days of Christmas and that is coming up, kicking off on Christmas Day. But I feel like I should take this opportunity to clarify that is not one episode on the first day and two episodes on the second day and one every day. I cannot do that many. So let's move on to Neil. If you delivered lessons on Christmas Day, how would you make the lesson Christmassy and fun?

Speaker C: So I'd start with this.

Speaker A: There we go. And if you're not watching on the video, start now.

Speaker C: And then we would just have a great bit of fun to be quite, know all about Christmas. Bit like Phil's just said, do certain things around the days of Christmas, but this is how I'm going to start my lessons next week. Christmas jumper, all the stuff and a bit of tinsel across the front of the car as well. There you go. That's a Christmas day lesson.

Speaker A: That sounds like a good Christmas Day lesson to me, Emma. Same to you.

Speaker D: Well, we're going to play Santa and the elves, so we've got the driver who's going to be Santa, and we're driving around delivering parcels to whoever we need to deliver them to. We'll create a big, long list of people for charitable donations and we're going to play Santa and the elves, but they're going to be the driver. There'll definitely be no tinsel.

Speaker A: Why no tinsel?

Speaker D: No, I'm heavily against tinsel.

Speaker B: It's evil, it hurts, it gives you a rash.

Speaker D: It's far too colorful.

Speaker B: No, I'm with you.

Speaker E: Can you any minute put it on the tree?

Speaker D: Definitely not. Doesn't go on the tree.

Speaker A: I've heard of people not liking tinsel, but I've never heard the phrase I'm heavily against tinsel before. But I do like that idea. And I am now considering working Christmas day to do that idea. That sounds quite fun. One time when I worked at red driving school, and they probably still have their own diary system and you have to block off the days you don't want to work. But no one really kind of told me that when I started. So in a week of starting up, someone had booked Christmas day as a lesson. I'm like, yeah, should have thought that one through. Didn't do it. Kev, how would you make Christmas Day Christmasy on a driving lesson?

Speaker E: Yeah, I think it's similar to Emma. Really didn't really have long to think about this one, but I think it's bring the Christmas spirit in there, not the alcohol one, but delivering presents, like they do with egg runs, don't they? So why not do a driving present motion? But then when we get there, we're sing carols, maybe. Or they can sing carols. They don't want me singing carols. And then, yeah, just finish it off at the pub, park the car and we'll go to the pub.

Speaker A: Yes. Carols. The pub, obviously. Walking home. I like it. It's all good, Lee, same to you.

Speaker B: I didn't take this one seriously because no money in the world would ever have me working on Christmas Day, especially while my mom and dad are still kicking know it's a day with them. I've done a test on Christmas Eve before and my learner had, like, the jumper and he had antlers and it was such a fun day and he passed and he was highly commended on both of his driving and his jumper. They were, like, impressed with both. If I did do it, I think it'd be like full fancy dress, full costume beard, but like suitable footwear. No, like mad elf shoes. And we could play a game. Every time you miss a mirror, you eat a mince pie, which are gross. So they're definitely going to be really good at mirrors because you're going to get force fed something with fruit. It always gross.

Speaker A: Part of the reason I asked you to be part of the a day, Benjamin, is because you're the only person that would say, yeah, I didn't take this question seriously and then pull out a really good answer. Chris, go and finish us off with some Christmas spirit.

Speaker F: I did make an effort. I grew a beard so I look.

Speaker A: Like Santa went, Grace. He looked like.

Speaker F: Firstly, it's got to start in a Santa outfit, isn't it? But I've done Boxing Day and I stopped doing Christmas Eve because they're just stupidly dangerous because everyone's mental. But I would go out, we'd have loads of Christmas songs going. There'd be hardly anyone on the road that we want to go near. So we'd just go and have a good drive round and enjoy the fact it's Christmas and we're having a bit of fun. And hopefully during that there's some nice, productive learning that goes on. But I don't know what it's going to be because I'm not there with that pupil yet and I will do a focus on exactly what's good for that at that moment in time and not pre plan the lesson.

Speaker A: I was working on Christmas Day, I would 100% do what I wanted and not the pupil and it would very likely be bay parking, because that seems like a really good lesson for Christmas Day. But yes, it has tempted me. Now maybe Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, I might open my diary up. All right, so we get to finish with my favorite one that we always do. So I'm going to start with you again on this one. Phil, do you want to take a moment, tell people why you're awesome and where they can find you.

Speaker G: Why am I awesome? I forgot about that. I'm awesome because I invest in myself and do lots of CPD. And on that note, I am starting on the 1 January, a new venture with Diana Todd and Dekali and McGregor Sims called Inspire instructor training. And CPD is exactly what that's going to be. And it's going to be continuous CPD because it's going to be a monthly subscription membership where we continuously provide you with CPD in the form of training videos and Zoom sessions, and an exclusive Facebook group for the inspirationals, which is going to be our members names. You can find us on Facebook at inspire instructor training or inspireinstructuretraining.com.

Speaker A: Good stuff. So, Neil, why are you awesome and where can people find you?

Speaker C: So, I'm awesome because I've wrote a book for all the adis and pdis out there. I also deliver continuous CPD for instructors and pdis out there. And obviously I work with Kev doing the audit academy, which provides more CPD for adis and people wanting to improve theirselves. But just generally they can find me through LinkedIn, Facebook, go to my website, and I'm sure they'll find my book really awesome and they'll keep subscribing to it.

Speaker A: I didn't know you'd wrote a book, Neil. Kept that to yourself quite well, Emma. Sorry I made much of laugh. Now, Emma, why are you awesome and where can people find you?

Speaker D: Well, you know, I'll never say I'm awesome because that's just not who I am, but I'm working on, so. And that's the biggest thing. I'm working on it. I'm always working on it. So pretty much the same as these other guys, continuously working on myself. And I will always encourage those around me to do the same. I'm also here to support those that surround me to do the same. My inbox is always open for whoever has any questions. I also work with learner drivers in a different way because I'm also a journal therapist, so I can work with them from a therapist position, so we can work on things that even they might not know. And this comes through from the learner driver logbook. So you can find me either through Facebook or Instagram, through the learner driver logbook, or just as myself.

Speaker A: If you believe that Emma Cotton is awesome, please raise your hands. There you go. And another reason why Emma is awesome is because she is going to be presenting an expert session for me in January. I can't remember the date, and she is going to be one of the presenters on the second. Megan R. So there you go, Kev.

Speaker D: The 11th is your date.

Speaker A: There we go. It's a good job someone's aware of this stuff. It's written on a scrap of paper somewhere. Kev Field, why are you awesome and where can people find you?

Speaker E: I'm awesome. Or am I? But I work in partnership with a lot of people, Neil being one of them. He's mentioned the audit academy. So, instructor training, PDI training, but also confident drivers with my wife. So she's probably the most awesome one out of the two of us. And we do lots of stuff where it's stress, nerves, anxiety, how to reduce it, how it helps you, tips and techniques to do lots of different things, really. And this year we've got our six week drive calm course and hopefully it's going to be made a qualification. So, yeah, breaking news.

Speaker A: Is that an exclusive, Kev?

Speaker E: It could be an exclusive. There's not many people know.

Speaker A: Do I need to edit?

Speaker E: We've got past some hurdles. We're almost there.

Speaker A: Oh, I'll let you check with Tracy first and get back to me. Lee.

Speaker E: Lee or Chris, can one of the two. It's fine.

Speaker A: In 40 seconds, do you want to tell us why you're awesome and where can people find you? But you can take an extra 20 seconds to tell people about the free expert sessions you're doing for me next year?

Speaker B: Yes, I am looking forward to the expert sessions next year. That's something that's in my diary now. Looking forward to that. I'd say awesomeness is probably rising. I still don't think I'm as awesome as I can be, but I'm progressing that as we go along. People can find me on adidoctor Co. UK and Pdidoctor Co. UK. The twins are still kicking around on old social medias and stuff. Google will probably tell, you know, do you mean spray if you type my name into Google, but it will correct it for you eventually. And, yeah, I'm kind of here to help people. I help a lot of people that are on their final attempt at standard Shekel part three. I've been there. I know exactly how, what you're going through, especially over Christmas. So if you want my help, then I can do that for you and we can get through it together.

Speaker A: If they type in at Lee Blackburn Rovers Berry, will that take you more directly?

Speaker B: It will correct it to Lee Blackburn Rovers football club Sperry for my four middle names. Yes, it will take you to the ****** sky sports and local paper.

Speaker A: And what I will say actually is thinking back to our first six for 60. Your answer was very different then. You were very self deprecating and you were like, oh, my to be on here, but now you're full of the joys of spring and confidence and it's a pleasure to see. So, speaking of people that are full of the joys of spring and confidence and a pleasure to see, Chris, why are you awesome and where can people find you?

Speaker F: Well, some call me a flat earther, but others call me a heretic. I like going against what everybody does and saying, why are we doing that? Should we be doing it? And just challenging things a bit. So I think the industry needs more of that. We follow what the DBSA does too, probably. I don't know if I'd use the word awesome. It's a bit american and people can find me on the DITC Co. UK for the signposting platform for the industry. They can find me on theory test explained on Facebook and most other social medias, TikTok included. So if you want to send your pupils some videos that are educational about driver training, check out TikTok and Instagram and tap into that, because I'd love to work with more and more instructors.

Speaker A: And on a completely unrelated note, my car came up with an alert today, a genuine alert that I had never seen before that said, do not depress the gas pedal whilst the vehicle is stationary. I have never seen that before.

Speaker F: When you were moving, you told it it wasn't nearly as good as the clutch or the brake.

Speaker B: Yeah, it's good advice, to be fair.

Speaker A: Yeah. Maybe we'll make that a question for the live session in March. Speaking of which, the next six for 60 will be live on drive instructor day, which, please, someone nod or shake head, which I'm fairly confident is on March 16 and it's a Saturday and we're probably doing it live at 730 and it's very probably going to be on the instructor podcast, Facebook page, all that stuff. So if you're listening, make sure you go and check that out in three months time. But for now, thank you guys for joining me for the free that we've done this year. Thank you, Kev, for joining me for the one you've done this year, welcome edition. Maybe we'll make it the 7th. That's too complicated again. But yeah, thank you guys for joining me today. It's been brilliant. And for the others this year, thank you. Thank you.

Speaker E: Cheers.

literally. We're recording at: 06:00

Speaker B: With leaders, innovators, experts, and game changers about what drives them.

Speaker A: Still listening. That's because you're awesome and handsome.

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