Nearly 1,500 members of the driver training industry attended what is claimed to be the biggest event of its kind.

The ADINJC and Intelligent Instructor National Conference & Expo ’24 was held at the Newark Showground.

It brought together presentations, workshops, trade stalls, exhibitions, ADIs, PDIs, government ministers, and industry regulators under one roof.

Bigger and better

The largest gathering of driving instructors was treated to an action-packed day at the ADINJC and Intelligent Instructor National Conference & Expo ’24, held in association with AcciDON’T Driving School on Sunday, September 29th.

A record 1,375 visitors enjoyed a day full day of free CPD sessions running across three different areas.

This year, the Live Stage had its very own building, and delegates were treated to presentations from some of the industry’s top trainers.

Despite having over 300 seats, there was standing room only for many of those sessions, including the final speaker of the day, the new Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood MP.

With the arrival of a new government and her new position within it, she gave a renewing and fresh outlook on our industry.

Loveday Ryder rounded off the day’s proceedings with a lively Q&A session.

New and old

For those just joining the profession, the Lou Walsh PDI Zone was the first point of call.

It was super busy once more, with over a quarter of delegates in attendance who were currently in training and keen to develop their skills.

Stewart Lochrie, Bright Coaching, appeared to have his work cut out facilitating and managing the enthusiastic crowds.

They were also awarded a free copy of the ‘Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Driving Instructor,’ which was officially launched at the event.

You can access and your digital copy here.

Servicing and celebrating

The expo area proved to be a hive of activity throughout the day, keeping all of 54 exhibitors busy.

There were plenty of great products and services on offer, but also free advice.

With AcciDON’T celebrating its 25th anniversary, it celebrated by offering the chance to experience driving huge HGV trucks in the outdoor area.

Meanwhile, Drive Day sponsored a giant Scalextric and offered fantastic prizes for the hottest laps. James Hale scooped £250 for the fastest lap of the day.

Pass ‘N’ Go Driving School probably produced the most impressive stand.

Its custom-built car simulator drew crowds from opening to closing.

The very real Ryan Mason scooped the £500 first prize by posting the fastest lap in the simulator, narrowly pipping Matt Whitburn by 0.3 secs.

Appropriately, a genuine supercar driving experience was top prize.

A treat

While the ice cream seller may not have been the busiest during the cold spell, there were plenty of other activities to warm up the crowds.

One could experience a road collision in the VR van and learn how emergency braking systems work in a car demo.

There were 25 EV owners showcasing their vehicles and taking test drives throughout the day, too.

RED had an inviting outdoor stand, and many adapted cars were available for test drives to demonstrate how teaching those with disabilities is possible.

All in all the comments were that it was an enjoyable and often exhilarating event that celebrated all that is great and good about our driver training industry.

Whilst challenges remain, the industry seems to be in rude health, and the enthusiasm of those in attendance is evidence of that.

For those who couldn’t make it, you can see a photo slideshow here .

Next up is The Driving Instructor Convention in March, and you can find out more here.