Members Only • Free Online CPD

DIA Mini
Conferences

Exclusive, focused and free online training and development events for DIA members.

Each DIA Mini Conference explores a different topic related to driver or rider education, teaching and training delivery, professional development or running a training business.

What to expect
Three bite-sized chunks
We break the core topic into three focused chunks, drawing on the experience and expertise of different speakers for each.
Expert input & discussion
Speakers introduce key concepts and areas of learning before moving into group work and discussion, with opportunities to raise questions and deepen your understanding.
Your experience matters
You'll be encouraged to share your own views and experiences, helping make the learning more relevant to your own professional practice.

Whether you're an experienced ADI, Rider Trainer or currently working towards qualification as a PDI, the sessions are designed to support your development at every stage of your career.

Regular CPD
Live Online
Free for Members
Watch Again
Next Mini Conference

Effective Communication

for Driver and Rider Trainers
28 October 2026 10:00am – 1:00pm Live Online Free for DIA Members

Why communication?

DVSA has identified communication as a recurring skill gap in both Part 3 tests and Standards Checks. We've seen the same pattern elsewhere too. In complaints against ADIs, and even in professional indemnity claims, poor communication is often at the heart of what went wrong.

Communication runs through almost every part of the National Standards. It is how we impart learning, shapes how well pupils learn and how confident and supported they feel, and is pivotal in how you interact with customers and how your business runs and grows.

Yet communication is rarely taught as a skill in its own right during PDI and ADI training. We think it's time that changed.

The Programme

Three focused sessions exploring communication

Across the Mini Conference, we'll explore communication from the fundamentals of effective teaching through to adapting your approach and managing professional customer relationships.

Session 1

The Fundamentals of Communication

Explore how clear explanations, effective questioning, active listening and constructive feedback can improve understanding and encourage pupils to take a more active role in their learning. We will also consider how good communication can help pupils feel more confident, supported and engaged.

Session 2

Communication for Delivering Training

Every pupil is different. This session will look at how to adapt your language and approach to suit different personalities, learning needs and situations. It will also explore common barriers to communication and how to recognise when your message has not been understood.

Session 3

Communication for Running a Training School Business

Effective communication extends beyond the lesson itself. This session will explore setting clear expectations, maintaining professional boundaries and handling difficult or sensitive conversations. It will also consider how good communication can strengthen customer relationships and help prevent misunderstandings, complaints and disputes.

Whether you're a PDI developing your instructional skills and preparing for Part 3, an ADI preparing for your next Standards Check, or an experienced Driver or Rider Trainer looking to develop your teaching and business, this Mini Conference will give you practical ideas you can apply to your professional practice.

Book Your Free Place
Why DIA Mini Conferences?

CPD connected to the real world of Driver Training.

As a professional body supporting PDIs, ADIs and Rider Trainers, DIA's work gives us insight into the changes, challenges and professional issues affecting trainers at every stage of their career. We bring that experience into our Mini Conferences to create practical, relevant CPD for the profession.

Industry Insight

Drawing on DIA's work with regulators, stakeholders and the wider Driver Training profession.

Real-World Experience

Informed by the questions, challenges and professional issues trainers encounter in practice.

Professional Development

Turning industry knowledge and experience into practical learning for those training to qualify, newly qualified instructors and experienced Driver and Rider Trainers.

Coming Next
Next DIA Mini Conference

Safeguarding and Professional Conduct in Driver Training

Professional conduct and safeguarding are increasingly important parts of the standards expected of Driver Trainers.

We'll explore the updated DVSA Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors, what professional conduct means in practice and the essential safeguarding knowledge every Driver Trainer should consider part of their professional development.

DVSA Code of Practice Professional Conduct Safeguarding
Date and booking details coming soon
More information will be announced shortly.
Watch Again

Can’t make it live? Watch again.

We know that fitting professional development around lessons, pupils and running your business is not always easy.

DIA Mini Conferences are recorded and added to the Members Area after the event, giving DIA members the freedom to catch up and access their CPD at a time that works for them.

If you can't join us on the day, you don't have to miss out.
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Not a DIA member?

Professional development is just the beginning

Join DIA and access a free Mini Conference and webinar every month – equivalent to four hours of CPD – as well as a growing range of learning and development resources through DIA Academy.

✓ £25 million professional indemnity and public liability insurance
✓ Expert instructor helpdesk and regulatory representation
✓ Legal advice and important weekly industry updates
✓ Member discounts on training and instructor resources
Explore DIA Membership
All this for less than
30p
a day

Professional protection, practical support and ongoing development throughout your career.

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