The Art of Confident Driving

Episode 93. The expert interviews: Dr Amanda (Senior Research Fellow, Monash University Accident Research Centre) gave an eye-opening talk at the annual Australian Driver Trainers Association (ADTA) Conference in November. Liz was so intrigued, she asked Amanda if she would be happy to talk about this subject in more detail. The interview had both of them talking on a favourite subject, swapping stories and laughing like old friends! Liz’s guest today is Dr Amanda Stephens. Senior Research Fellow, Monash University Accident Research Centre Amanda has been involved in road safety research for almost two decades and her background is in the psychology behind driver behaviour. Her current research focusses on understanding and addressing the mechanisms behind risky driving behaviour. Particular focus is on aggressive, anti-social or non-compliant driving behaviour. She is currently involved in designing and implementing behaviour modification programs to support drivers in managing emotional, fatigued or inattentive driving. Full driving lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/

Episode 92. Parking tips for holiday shopping. Christmas shopping, school holidays, end‑of‑year events… and absolutely nowhere to park. In this festive episode, Liz will unpack the chaos of Christmas parking and share smart, safe, sanity‑saving strategies for learners, supervising drivers, and anyone who’s ever circled a car park muttering “surely someone’s leaving soon”. In this episode, Instructor Liz will give her tips for a calm trip to the shops, making the Christmas chaos easier to deal with. Full driving lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/

Stupid driving habits can cost drivers; time, money or more serious consequences. In this episode, Liz takes a lighthearted look at common driving habits, why we do them, and how they affect the road around us. We’ve all seen them — and if we’re honest, most of us have done them too. Those little traits behind the wheel that make driving more challenging than it probably should be. Driving habits are everywhere on our roads, some good, some very bad, but we all have them. In this series, Liz  takes a look at the driving behaviors that cost us, explore why they happen, and how we can try to change our habits. It’s not about finger‑pointing — it’s about understanding the funny, frustrating, and very human side of driving. Along the way, Liz will share stories, insights, and a few laughs, because sometimes the best way to learn is to see ourselves in the mirror — quirks and all. Full driving lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/

Driving around Australia with Gav. I was thrilled to sit down with my good mate Gavin to talk about his trip around Australia – including Tasmania – and what adventures he got up to! There was an unexpected side effect of driving solo, which gives a valuable lesson for everyone planning on long drives. His tips and advice will certainly come in handy for me when I finally get around to doing this unforgettable trip. Gavin has a lot of experience with cars, and we have had many conversations over the years, where I am usually well out of my depth with his superior mechanical knowledge, but I have a good time learning! Enjoy his story, Liz. Gav’s car story: Growing up, it was common for dad’s in my neighbourhood to spend weekends doing their own car maintenance. Oil changes, tuning (before electronics) even full engine rebuilds would be done in suburban back yards. Australia had a “culture” based around Bathurst and whether you supported Ford or Holden. My dad owned an XA Ford Fairmont, 5L V8 with 4 speed floor shift which I learned to drive in and borrow a lot of the time for my own mis spent youth, so I’ve always been a “Ford” man at heart, but I can appreciate the engineering/design on any vehicle. I continued the tradition of doing all your own mechanical work beginning with a 1972 Ford TC Cortina (4L inline 6 with T bar Automatic) then a 1967 Ford ZA Fairlane (5L V8 with column shift automatic). I rebuilt the engine for my 1982 Mitsubishi Sigma taking it from a 2L to a modified 2.6L – I also owned a 1985 Nissan 300ZX (N/A 3L V6-5 speed) with Targa Roof and that is where I was forced to start handing over my car to mechanics from time to time due to the need of having specialized tools for certain tasks. Following that, I had a 1988 Nissan “The Ute” which was just a rebadged Ford XF Falcon, closely followed by a 1991 Ford XG Falcon Ute which I drove to many camping adventures before my now 2003 BF Falcon Ute with which I toured the continent and hope to maintain for many more years to come.  

Nervous about your first driving lesson? You're not alone! Discover the importance of being well-rested and choosing a quiet area for practice. Liz and Sonia share tips on adopting an instructor mindset, breaking learning into manageable steps, and being patient with new drivers. Learn how to limit distractions and ensure safety, while also understanding different learner personalities. With practical advice and plenty of laughs, they highlight the role of supportive instructors and the value of using clear communication. Get ready to drive with confidence!

Think you know Aussie road rules? Think again! Discover bizarre regulations that might catch even the most experienced driver off guard. Learn why seatbelts need to be worn correctly for safety and how the placement of your feet can lead to dangerous consequences. Uncover the legal limits for tinted windows and why visibility matters on the road. Liz emphasizes the importance of checking state-specific rules and keeping everybody buckled up. It's a fun ride packed with safety tips and quirky insights!

Navigating around emergency vehicles can be chaotic, especially for new drivers. Instructor Liz discusses key rules for responding to sirens and lights with paramedic Zoe. They explore the differences in emergency responses between the UK and Australia. Zoe shares insights on the importance of staying calm and making safe driving choices. Tips include moving predictably, using indicators, and giving crews ample space to work. The conversation emphasizes awareness and legal obligations to ensure safety for everyone on the road.

Failed a driving test? You're not alone! Instructor Liz shares how to turn failures into successes with real tips. Learn the importance of constant speed and the critical need to come to a complete stop at stop signs. Discover the do’s and don’ts of approaching traffic lights and yielding correctly. Lane discipline, blind spot checks, and mastering manoeuvres like three-point turns are all covered. Plus, Liz dives into the mental game of driving tests and the value of mock tests. Get ready to boost your confidence and ace that next test!

Courtenay Rufus, a driving instructor from CRUDE Driving, dives into Melbourne's intriguing hook turns. She clarifies why these unique right turns occur from the left lane, discussing their origins and safety benefits. Listeners learn the correct way to execute a hook turn while avoiding common mistakes and hazards, like red-light runners. Courtenay also emphasizes the importance of educating overseas drivers about these rules for safer navigation, advocating for better resources. Get ready to master Melbourne’s streets with confidence!

Tailgating is a major driving complaint and a leading cause of crashes. Instructor Liz reveals why some drivers tailgate and discusses its legal risks. She explains how to assess a safe following distance and the importance of reaction time to prevent accidents. Liz categorizes tailgaters into three types: distracted, rushing, and serial, outlining their behaviors. She touches on public monitoring initiatives and offers valuable tips for supporting learner drivers. The key takeaway? Maintain space, be patient, and enjoy a safer journey.