The Expert Interviews: Anxious Drivers with Dr. Amanda Stephens

Episode 99. Russell White, Australia’s Road safety expert joins Liz in this episode, to highlight the mistakes many drivers make, the influences that contribute to the road toll, and how doing small things as a driver can make a huge difference to not only our own driving happiness, but also those road users around us! Russell and Liz started their road safety journey around the same time, bringing more than a collective 55 years of driver training to this chat. Russell White Managing Director Driver Safety Australia and Founder and Chair of the Australian Road Safety Foundation Australian Road Safety Foundation The Australian Road Safety Foundation is a not for profit organization dedicated to improving road safety awareness, enhancing driver education and reducing the impact of road trauma. It undertakes a range of activities to improve road safety outcomes, develop research and educational programs and works to persuade policy makers to address road safety issues. The foundation acts as a central agency for a range of road safety related events. These activities currently include the Fatality Free Friday Campaign and the Australian Road Safety Awards. https://arsf.com.au/road-safety-resilience/ Fatality Free Friday Russell founded Fatality Free Friday, which is based on a Community Mobilization Strategy to increase public awareness and action on the issue of road safety. The inaugural Fatality Free Friday was held on the 27th of April 2007 and coincided with the first United Nations Global Road Safety Week. The initiative was established in Queensland and was expanded into a national event. Fatality Free Friday provides a unique opportunity to raise community awareness on road trauma and is Australia’s only national community based road safety program. Full driving lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/

Anxious drivers. Why do some drivers feel their heart race the moment they turn the key? In this episode, Liz sits down with Dr Amanda Stephens, a leading researcher in driver psychology, to unpack what’s really happening behind the wheel when anxiety takes over. Together, they explore: how stress and fear affect driving performance the difference between cautious and anxious driving practical strategies to rebuild confidence on the road what instructors and supervising drivers can do to help Whether you’re a learner, a parent, or a professional instructor, this conversation reveals how understanding anxiety can transform the way we teach—and drive. More information about Dr. Amanda Stephens’ research here: LinkedIn: Amanda Stephens | LinkedIn • Listen to my chat about Aggressive driving on ABC “Its all in the mind” podcast: Driving Me Mad. Why we get Road Rage, with Sana Qadar • Read one of my latest publications on aggressive driving in Australia • Read one of my The Conversation articles • Check out our Reducing Aggressive Driving online program 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/

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/

Episode 96: Petrol saving myths Busted! In this episode, Liz breaks down some Petrol‑Saving Myths that drivers love to repeat, and reveals what actually works. From coasting in neutral to premium fuel hype, we separate fact from fiction so you can drive smarter, safer, and more efficiently. Whether you’re a learner, a supervising driver, or someone who’s been driving for decades, this episode will give you practical tips you can use straight away. If you enjoy the episode, share it with a learner driver, a supervising driver, or that one friend who still insists coasting in neutral is the secret to cheap driving. 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/

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/

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/