Loveday Ryder became the Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in January 2021. She previously worked in the Ministry of Justice, where she successfully served in senior roles in organisation design, change management, and programme delivery. Before joining the Civil Service in 2006, Loveday worked within a specialist management consultancy, delivering business change, performance improvement, and IT programmes in the public and private sectors.

Industry update and live Q&A

Loveday will deliver an industry update in an extended one-hour session. She will also take questions from the floor, which is always a lively Q&A session to conclude the day’s event.

Joshua is Marketing Manager at the publishers of the Safe Driving for Life platform, which is a collaboration between DVSA, The Stationery Office (TSO) and The Police Foundation.

Safe Driving for Life – your ADI and student resource

A comprehensive overview of the government’s Safe Driving for Life platform, showing how it supports instructors and learners with official DVSA resources. With e-learning, books, and apps tailored to different learning styles and used by millions of learners, it offers something to suit every individual’s needs.

With extensive experience in education and driver training, Vickie and Kim empower instructors through tailored strategies that enhance business operations. From structural planning to financial management, they offer practical tools and expert guidance to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and support sustainable long-term growth.

Boosting your visibility for business growth

Explore practical tools and strategies to raise your profile and stand out in a crowded market. Visibility isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being unforgettable. Discover how to build your presence within your community, attract more enquiries, and unlock new opportunities for business growth and increased income.

Chris is a driving instructor, theory test trainer, and industry innovator. He is co-founder of The Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective and founder of Theory Test Explained. He will run this session along with Terry Cook from The Instructor Podcast.

What’s the alternative to the DVSA standards?

Terry and Chris are bringing the Green Room to the expo, providing an alternative to the DVSA. Why aim for the minimum standards when you can achieve your own maximum ones?

Mark, with over 20 years of experience, has revolutionised driver training with an award-winning virtual reality course. He trains over 2,000 instructors for the AA and BSM. He will co-present with Tom Way, Curriculum Lead at the AA Driving School.

AI within driving instructor training

Discover how AA Driving School have introduced AI into driving instructor training, providing trainees with support and engaging content using the latest technologies.

DVSA’s work to protect and enhance the ADI profession

An update on DVSA’s enforcement work to stop illegal and non-compliant driving instructors, including the nationwide ‘Operation ‘L’ plates’. An overview of how DVSA investigates complaints and evidence submitted by ADIs and where to report concerns on GOV.UK.

Terry is a driving instructor, podcast host, road safety advocate, and is best known for The Instructor Podcast. He is passionate about promoting safer driving and instructor development. He will run this session with Chris Bensted, founder of Theory Test Explained.

What’s the alternative to the DVSA standards?

Terry and Chris are bringing the Green Room to the expo, providing an alternative to the DVSA. Why aim for the minimum standards when you can achieve your own maximum ones?

Paul is the reigning Intelligent Instructor National Driving Instructor of the Year 2025 and is a multi-award-winning trainer dedicated to inspiring safe driving and instructional excellence.

Don’t fear the standards check or part 3

This session provides a clear introduction to the Standards Check, covering its purpose, structure, and grading criteria. You’ll gain practical preparation strategies, understand how to avoid common pitfalls, and hear real-life experiences to help you succeed. Discover the benefits of passing first time with a higher grade and how to achieve it

Emma, an ADI since 2010, runs UP Driving School. A trainer, mental health advocate, and trainee counsellor, she’s passionate about wellbeing, connection, and supporting others.

Finding neutral: Sometimes we need to come out of gear!

In a chaotic world, constant positivity or negativity can be overwhelming. This session explores how neutral thinking helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and support your own and others’ mental wellbeing. Learn to pause, reflect, and navigate life’s noise with greater clarity and compassion.

Phil Cowley, along with Diana Todd, founded Inspire Instructor Training to help revolutionise driving instruction. They provide mentorship, innovative tools, and support to elevate instructors and improve driving education standards.

How experiential learning can transform driving instruction

Discover how experiential learning transforms driving instruction. This session, run by Phil and Diana, explores hands-on techniques that enhance skill retention, boost confidence, and foster independent thinking—helping learners engage, reflect, and apply knowledge effectively. Join us to explore practical strategies that inspire better, safer drivers through experience-based learning.

Paul’s expertise from his time as a Police Inspector helps shape MIB’s support of UK police forces in understanding motor insurance complexities and running uninsured driving operations.

 Supporting young drivers in understanding insurance requirements

Uninsured driving remains a significant issue in the UK. Many young drivers face a lack of insurance education that may result in them unwittingly driving uninsured or inadequately insured. MIB is stepping up our education efforts for young motorists, and challenging others to join us in protecting this vulnerable group.

Confident Drivers is an award-winning membership website, podcast, and training provider run by Kev and Tracey Field. It offers training to help ADIs and PDIs develop skills to support nervous and anxious pupils during lessons.

Anxiety and stress in learner drivers

Discover quick, practical stress management tips tailored for driving instructors. Learn how to support anxious learners, manage stressful situations calmly, and create a more positive, focused learning environment. These simple strategies can make a big difference to both your pupils’ progress and your own wellbeing behind the wheel.

Mike, a seasoned professional in the field, is dedicated to helping PDIs and ADIs reach their full potential as driving instructors. He emphasises the value of self-development and reflection in your journey to becoming the best you can be.

Actively managing risk

Risk management, or a lack of risk management, can make an instructor fail any check – join us to find out what the DVSA really mean by “actively managing risk” to maximise learning and safety during your lessons.

Alan has spent over 25 years advising small, medium, and large businesses on their accounts and taxes. Basically, he’s a tax nerd!

Making Tax Digital – what you need to do

Making Tax Digital is the most significant change to tax since the introduction of Self-Assessment in the 90’s. This will impact you, your business and your time. You need to know what’s coming.

Becky leads RoSPA’s policy development, promotion, and delivery, specialising in road, home, and workplace safety to improve public well-being and reduce accidental harm.

Safer lives, stronger nation: RoSPA’s call for a national accident prevention strategy

Becky will present ‘Safer lives, stronger nation’, RoSPA’s call for a National Accident Prevention Strategy. She’ll outline the report’s key findings and share targeted recommendations to improve road safety, reduce harm, and promote a more preventative, joined-up approach across sectors. A vital session for anyone passionate about road safety.

Professional driver for 28 years and ADI for 16 years. His lifestyle choice is now in Driving Mobility, supporting independence through driving , travel and transport.

Helping drivers with medical conditions remain independent

An overview of the essential work carried out by Driving Mobility and their national network of centres. How Driving Mobility supports independence through driving, for learner drivers and full licence holders living with physical and hidden disabilities.

Over the past 3 years, Laura has been helping develop the Social Media Strategy across DTS’s 4 in 1, Learn to Drive Hubb, and ADI Hubb Products.

Getting social as an ADI

Laura will be joined by her colleague Alisha Kahan, Social Media Manager at DTS, to help you focus on how you, as an ADI, can find success on social media. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already creating content, this session will guide you through the process with some top tips and actionable steps. Get your phones ready!

Lee is a seasoned professional and director at K.I.T., who has the biggest and most diverse range of training for instructors in the industry. Lee travels the country to develop instructors. Lee will team up with his business partner, Mick Knowles, to deliver this insightful presentation.

The (only) five questions you need to create safer drivers

Questions are massively overrated in a moving classroom and overused in situations where focus on the task is more important. Understand the purpose of the questions, when, why, and how to ask them to create thinking drivers with a coaching approach that fits our age demographic.

With over 20 years of experience training PDIs and ADIs, Jeff specialises in simplifying the art of delivering effective, client-centred lessons and helping instructors pass Part 3 with confidence.

How to give the right level of instruction

This session explores how to deliver the right level of instruction based on each pupil’s knowledge, ability, and confidence. Learn how to adapt your teaching style, engage effectively with learners, and provide the appropriate level of support in every lesson to maximise progress and develop safe, independent drivers.

Alisha has been working with Driving Test Success, the leading learner app provider, for over three years, leading the social media strategy across their 4in1 and Learn to Drive products.

Getting social as an ADI

Alisha will be joined by he colleague Laura Johnson, Project Manager at DTS, to help you focus on how you, as an ADI, can find success on social media. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already creating content, this session will guide you through the process with some top tips and actionable steps. Get your phones at ready!

Mick Knowles has almost 40 years of experience in training and coaching worldwide, both in the industry and the Military. He is the founder of Knowledgeablee Instructor Training. Mick will team up with Lee Jowett to deliver this insightful presentation.

The (only) five questions you need to create safer drivers

Questions are massively overrated in a moving classroom and overused in situations where focus on the task is more important. Understand the purpose of the questions, when, why, and how to ask them to create thinking drivers with a coaching approach that fits our age demographic.

Amanda has worked at the DVSA for 13 years. She began as a driving examiner and was previously an ADI. She now manages the policies related to the car driving test and ADI qualification tests.

What support does DVSA provide to PDIs?

A session for PDIs covering topics including the ADI qualification process, CPD, official learning resources and how to use the trainee licence.

Dave is a hugely successful ADI and Level 7 qualified coach who boasts a lifetime of experience in helping others exceed their own expectations and achieve the impossible.

7 steps to PDI success

Becoming a successful ADI requires much more than simply passing the Part 3 test. In this fun and interactive session, Dave explores the common mistakes many PDIs make and identifies simple solutions to ensure a long, happy and financially prosperous future as an ADI.

Stewart Lochrie is the Chairman of the ADINJC and the Founder of Bright Coaching, an award-winning training provider for PDIs and ADIs.

Coaching is the toolbox

Coaching is far more important than just another tool in the toolbox. It needs to be at the foundation of all driving instructor training and CPD.

Dr Julia Malkin is one of the UK’s most qualified driving instructors. She has a PhD in Asperger Symptom Life Perspectives and was awarded an MBE from HM The Queen in the New Year Honours List 2011. She has Asperger syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, Irlen’s syndrome and anomalous trichromacy.

Autism in your car – unleash their potential

See the road through the eyes of those on the autistic spectrum! Learn the types of autism, the way it can present itself in your car, and the behaviour patterns you could see. You will get to know the challenges faced by many on the spectrum learning to drive.

Deucalion is an instructor trainer with great knowledge and experience within the instructor industry, supporting instructors nationwide. He will run this session with Laura Morris, also from Go Green Instructor Training.

Facilitating thought through questioning

This session explores the art of using questions to spark pupil engagement, provoke deeper thinking, and enhance learning. Discover techniques that encourage contribution develop insight and help pupils build stronger visual awareness. Learn how to craft and deliver questions that truly support growth and independent decision-making behind the wheel.

Laura is a driving instructor trainer with a wealth of insight, knowledge, skill and experience within the instructor industry, supporting instructors across the nation.

Facilitating thought through questioning

This session explores the art of using questions to spark pupil engagement, provoke deeper thinking, and enhance learning. Discover techniques that encourage contribution develop insight and help pupils build stronger visual awareness. Learn how to craft and deliver questions that truly support growth and independent decision-making behind the wheel.

Make the change to client-centred approaches – in a sustainable way

Learn how to be more client centred and to do it in such a way that you don’t return to instruction over time.

Des is a former ADI and serial entrepreneur, now helping instructors boost bookings, save time, and reduce admin through simple AI tools at AiForDrivingInstructors.com.

 Eight easy-to-use AI tools to help instructors work smarter

Not sure where to start with AI? This beginner-friendly session introduces eight free tools ADIs can use to boost bookings, save time, and cut admin. Learn how to pick the best one for your business and walk away with a simple, practical plan — no tech skills required.

With two decades of leadership in driver training, Tommy excelled as an ADI, ORDIT trainer and Fleet specialist. His advanced qualifications—RoSPA Gold, Tri-Coaching Level 4, IAM RoadSmart, and Behavioural Change Level 4—have helped him build one of the biggest independent driving schools in the country

Business coaching

Join this exclusive coaching workshop and learn how to grow your driving school from a single-car operation to a multi-vehicle business. Discover proven growth strategies, innovative marketing, and award-winning systems that boost revenue, strengthen your reputation, and set your brand up for lasting success.

With 30+ years of experience, Ray is a top DVSA Grade A trainer, author, and coach, empowering ADIs nationwide through expert training, mentoring, and coaching techniques.

 Is your teaching truly client-centred? Aligning with the DVSA competencies

This session unpacks client-centred teaching in practice, linking it directly to the 17 DVSA competencies. Learn how coaching supports Standards Check success and produces safer, more reflective drivers—with real-life examples, honest insights, and practical tweaks that can transform your day-to-day lessons.

Becky is an experienced trainer with many years in the industry. She founded and runs Empathetic Instructor Training, which brings a unique and innovative approach to driver training.

The importance of using specific language with learners

This session explores the risks of using vague language with learners. Through discussion and examples, Becky shows how clear, specific instructions improve understanding, reduce confusion, help manage risk, and create a safer, more effective learning environment for both instructor and learner.

Tom is an ORDIT trainer with 13 years as an ADI, specialising in coaching, training, and development for driving instructors. He is also co-founder of Drive-Up Training and Managing Director of Bright Coaching.

Coaching-based error training

Coaching-based error training enhances driver awareness, decision-making, and confidence by turning mistakes into learning opportunities. It promotes self-correction, reduces accident risks, and builds long-term safety habits. This method fosters critical thinking and adaptability, ensuring drivers respond effectively to real-world challenges, ultimately improving road safety and driving performance.

Olly is co-founder of The Honest Truth, a national road safety campaign designed to keep newly qualified and young drivers as safe as possible. Working in collaboration with driving instructors and road safety organisations, the Honest Truth app is a powerful coaching tool to influence new driver decision making and behaviour.

Does delivering road safety as part of a course of driving lessons really make a difference?

With the pressure on driving instructors to get their students test-ready, is there really time to focus on both road safety and the mechanics of learning to drive? Olly will look at the life skills that run alongside those mechanical skills and how good quality road safety education can make a life-changing difference. Olly will also highlight how driving instructors can have a significant influence on a new driver’s attitude and decision-making behind the wheel for many years after passing their test.

Diana Todd, along with Phil Cowley, founded Inspire Instructor Training to help revolutionise driving instruction. They provide mentorship, innovative tools, and support to elevate instructors and improve driving education standards.

How experiential learning can transform driving instruction

Discover how experiential learning transforms driving instruction. This session, run by Diana and Phil, explores hands-on techniques that enhance skill retention, boost confidence, and foster independent thinking—helping learners engage, reflect, and apply knowledge effectively. Join us to explore practical strategies that inspire better, safer drivers through experience-based learning.

Richard, an ADI since 2019, leverages his teaching and coaching background to lead instructor training and development at Pass N Go Driving School.

 The marking sheet and how your Part 3 is assessed

 Gain valuable insight and practical guidance on how each of the seventeen competencies interlink across lesson planning, risk management, and teaching and learning strategies. Understand what examiners are looking for, how to structure your lesson effectively, and how to maximise your marks on the day.

Tom has over a decade of experience in training and joined the AA in 2023. He trains 2,000 trainee driving instructors using in-car training, virtual reality, online classrooms, and remote learning. He will co-present with Mark Born, Head of the Academy and Operational Performance at AA Driving School.

AI within driving instructor training

Discover how AA Driving School have introduced AI into driving instructor training, providing trainees with support and engaging content using the latest technologies.

Neil is a respected driving mentor, author of Untwisting the Road to Success, and co-founder of Innovative Driving Education Academy, which is dedicated to transforming and modernising driver training.

Untwisting the road

This session demystifies key competencies by exploring their definitions, interconnections, and significance. It highlights how understanding and integrating these elements enhances goal achievement and supports more effective personal and professional development. Attendees will gain practical insights into applying competencies meaningfully within their own instructional and coaching practice.