Skip to main content

Search TrendsNew Ads Appearances Podcasts API

We value your privacy

We use cookies to understand how you use our platform and to improve your experience. Click “Accept All” to consent, or “Decline non-essential” to opt out of non-essential cookies. Read our Privacy Policy.

One Minute Driving Instructor Tips

One Minute Driving Instructor Tips

Handling the 'I Don't Know'

Jul 7, 2026 · 2 min · 5 segments

Get your FREE MyDriveTime trial here Weekly tips for driving…

Get your FREE MyDriveTime trial here Weekly tips for driving instructors. Whether you are a seasoned ADI, or just starting out as a PDI, this show will offer you valuable insight to help you pass your Standards Check or Part 3, improve as a driving instructor, and run a better driving school. All with tips in under two minutes! One Minute Driving Instructor Tips is part of The Instructor Podcast network - find out more here: The Instructor Podcast. Sign up to The Instructor Podcast Premium for instant access to hours of exclusive training around the Standards Check, Coaching, Mindfulness, and more - Join here.

Get your FREE MyDriveTime trial here Weekly tips for driving…

Speakers: Terry CookHost

Top entities: Podcast×2 Patreon Making Tax Digital

Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube Amazon Music Website

Show signals: SuitabilitySafeBiasNot politicalAudience≈17k followers

Handling the "I Don't Know" Response0:20 – 1:10

0:20

today is tip number 65 and i want to talk to you about how to handle the infamous i don't know because when a pupil says i don't know it can be tempting to jump straight in with the answer but before you do pause because i don't know can mean a few different things it might mean i genuinely don't know it might mean i'm scared to get it wrong It might mean I haven't had enough time to think yet.

0:47

Or it might mean I know, but I don't trust myself yet.

0:51

So instead of treating I don't know as the end of the conversation, treat it as a start.

0:57

Try asking what do you think it might be? Or what are your options? Or even take a guess.

1:03

We're not looking for perfect.

1:05

Because your job isn't to give the answer.

1:08

Often your job is always to help them find one.

PodcastEntity
83%2 mentions
PatreonCompanyCompany
50%1 mention
Making Tax DigitalEntity
17%1 mention

Communication SkillsPersonal Development
Teaching MethodsEducation
ConstructivismEducation > Learning Theories
Learning TheoriesEducation
Assessment StrategiesEducation > Teaching Methods
Active ListeningPersonal Development > Communication Skills
Student-Centered LearningEducation > Learning Theories > Constructivism
Student EngagementEducation > Teaching Methods
Critical ThinkingEducation > Teaching Methods > Student Engagement
Classroom ManagementEducation > Teaching Methods
Feedback MechanismsEducation > Teaching Methods > Assessment Strategies
Personal Development
Student SupportEducation > Teaching Methods > Classroom Management
Education
Response StrategiesEducation > Teaching Methods > Student Engagement > Critical Thinking
Encouragement TechniquesEducation > Teaching Methods > Classroom Management > Student Support
Encouraging Self-TrustEducation > Teaching Methods > Assessment Strategies > Feedback Mechanisms
Empathy in EducationPersonal Development > Communication Skills > Active Listening
Building TrustPersonal Development > Communication Skills > Active Listening > Empathy in Education
Facilitating DiscussionsEducation > Learning Theories > Constructivism > Student-Centered Learning

Handling the "I Don't Know" Response0:20 – 1:10

0:20

today is tip number 65 and i want to talk to you about how to handle the infamous i don't know because when a pupil says i don't know it can be tempting to jump straight in with the answer but before you do pause because i don't know can mean a few different things it might mean i genuinely don't know it might mean i'm scared to get it wrong It might mean I haven't had enough time to think yet.

0:47

Or it might mean I know, but I don't trust myself yet.

0:51

So instead of treating I don't know as the end of the conversation, treat it as a start.

0:57

Try asking what do you think it might be? Or what are your options? Or even take a guess.

1:03

We're not looking for perfect.

1:05

Because your job isn't to give the answer.

1:08

Often your job is always to help them find one.

Sign up to see more

The rest of this transcript — segmented and speaker-labeled, so you land on the exact moment something was said
Search every transcript — by keyword, by phrase, or by meaning, across every show Radar indexes
Trends — what is surging across podcasts, measured against its own baseline
Alerts — when a name you follow appears in a newly indexed episode

Create an account Already have an account? Log in

No account is needed to search Radar.