The Art of Confident Driving

A lively chat about why so many drivers skip using indicators and the everyday chaos that causes. They laugh over common myths like 'blinker fluid' and explain proper timing and positioning for clearer signals. Practical tips cover roundabouts, merging, parking and keeping signals on. The conversation highlights habit fixes, legal reminders and why consistent signalling helps vulnerable road users.

A celebratory chat full of learner driver questions and plenty of laughter. Practical talk on pedals, steering, footwear and safe hand positions. Clear advice about signalling, lane rules, stopping and speed decisions. Reassuring points on test nerves, missed turns, examiner roles and what to expect in lessons.

Russell White, road safety advocate and founder of the Fatality Free Friday campaign, shares his decades of work in driver training and community programs. He discusses complacency, the need for ongoing skill development, automation’s tradeoffs, school-based education, and practical tips like journey planning and relaxed car control. The conversation highlights changing licensing, enforcement, and community responsibility for safer roads.

Dr Amanda Stephens, senior research fellow in driver psychology, studies driving anxiety and novice behaviour. She discusses why drivers panic, common triggers for new drivers, and how focus and repetition rebuild control. Practical tips include route planning, gradual exposure, and how others’ behavior affects safety. Short, practical, and reassuring insights for anyone nervous behind the wheel.

Episode 97. The Learning Journey. In this episode, Liz dives into the real, and sometimes very emotional side of learning to drive — the part no one warns you about. From frustration and plateaus to breakthroughs and confidence, we explore why progress is rarely a straight line and how emotions can either stall or supercharge learning. Liz also shares a personal story from her karate training: the kata she just couldn’t get… until she could. It’s a powerful parallel to what every learner driver experiences — the moment where persistence finally pays off. Whether you’re a learner, a parent, or an instructor, this episode gives you the tools to understand the emotional journey behind the wheel and how to keep moving forward even when it feels like you’re stuck. Share this episode with a learner or supervising driver who needs a boost Follow the podcast for more myth‑busting, practical driving insights Send in your learner‑driver stories for a future episode Check out our other episodes on confidence, late braking, and managing nerves Learners and Supervising drivers: Master Driver Trainer Liz has recorded all of her lessons; from the basics of car controls, pedal control, steering techniques, cornering, roundabouts, all of your manouvers through to Motorway and open road driving. Subscribe to have her teach your Learner driver the correct techniques and procedures that will not only have them pass the test easily, but be safe drivers for life! Full driving lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/

In this episode, Liz and Sonia dive into one of the most common (and secretly funniest) learner‑driver habits: leaving the braking just a bit too late. Between the two of them, they’ve seen every version — the hopeful “I think I’ve got this”, the silent internal panic, and the classic wide‑eyed “oh no oh no oh no” moment as the car ahead gets closer… and closer. Expect plenty of laughs, real stories from the instructor’s seat, and practical tips to help learners (and supervising drivers) understand why late braking happens and how to fix it without drama. If you’ve ever clutched the door handle, stomped an imaginary brake pedal, or watched a coffee cup take flight, this one’s for you. A fun, honest, slightly chaotic look at a skill every confident driver needs. #DrivingLessons #LearnerDriver #DrivingInstructor #ConfidentDriving #RoadSafety #LateBraking Supervising drivers: Master Driver Trainer Liz has recorded all of her lessons; from the basics of car controls, pedal control, steering techniques, cornering, roundabouts, all of your manouvers through to Motorway and open road driving. Subscribe to have her teach your Learner driver the correct techniques and procedures that will not only have them pass the test easily, but be safe drivers for life! Full driving lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/

Myths about coasting in neutral and premium fuel are debunked. Modern engine warm‑up habits and the true tradeoffs between air conditioning and open windows are discussed. Cruise control, car size versus maintenance, and why running the tank too low is risky are covered. Practical fuel‑saving habits like smooth driving, tyre pressure, removing roof racks, trip planning, and checking prices are highlighted.

Learner plates with Jeannie. In this special episode, Instructor Liz will talk about the requirements for L and P plates and has guest Jeannie from www.learnerhours.com.au sit in to talk about her fantastic Learner plates that will make learner drivers and their supervisors more confident when learning to drive! Jeannie’s fantastic plates are available here: https://learnerhours.com.au/ Use this discount code for the Learner Hours plates: Liz10%off Full driving lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/  

Episode 94. Keep left. This episode dives into one of the most misunderstood road rules in Australia: keeping left. Yes, the law says you must keep left on multi‑lane roads over 80 km/h (depending on your State or Territory rules) or when signed — but the real story goes way beyond the legal threshold. Instructor Liz explains why staying left is one of the simplest, most effective safety habits any driver can build, no matter the speed limit. From smoother traffic flow to fewer risky lane changes, better visibility, and helping emergency vehicles get through faster, this episode shows how a small habit can make a big difference. Perfect for learners, supervising drivers, and anyone who’s ever wondered why the right lane isn’t a place to settle in and get comfy. Full driving lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/  

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/