🎧 Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode, Phil sits down with driving instructor and course creator Kate Monk, the founder of My Learner Driver – an online course designed to help parents of learner drivers become active participants in creating safer, more prepared drivers.
Kate shares her emotional ‘why’ behind the course, following the devastating loss of four young people in her local area. She highlights the untapped potential of parents to model safer driving habits, support structured private practice, and open up life-saving conversations at home.
👤 About Kate Monk:
- ADI based in West Devon
- 10+ years of experience in driver training
- Mum of two, passionate about road safety
- Creator of My Learner Driver, aiming to empower parents
🎯 Key Topics Discussed:
- Why instructors and parents must work together to create safer drivers
- The alarming reality of youth road fatalities – and why "something must change"
- How My Learner Driver helps parents:
- Refresh and upgrade their own driving attitudes
- Learn how to guide private practice safely and effectively
- Build awareness of risks and road behavior before a young person starts driving
- The idea of a "Family Graduated Driving Licence" – a personalised, voluntary contract between parent and teen
- Encouraging parents to develop commentary driving skills and model road scanning techniques
- Long-term plans to expand into school-age resources, creating early awareness
- Challenges Kate faced creating the course – from tech hurdles to battling camera nerves
- The course as a collaborative tool for instructors, not a replacement
🛠️ Instructor Takeaways:
- My Learner Driver can enhance your learners’ private practice experiences
- Support parents to become safer drivers themselves, improving outcomes for pupils
- Use the course to bridge the communication gap between home and lesson
- Consider involving parents in lessons early (including reverse roles!)
🧭 Learn More & Access the Course:
🌐 www.mylearnerdriver.co.uk
💸 Early bird price: £14.75 (75% off while course builds)
🧠 Instructor guide version also coming soon!
