Driving around Australia with Gav

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.  

What should happen on your first lesson. With Sonia and Liz Nervous about your first driving lesson? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered (and laughing). In this episode, Liz teams up with the ever-wise and occasionally cheeky Sonia to break down what actually happens when you hop behind the wheel for the very first time. Spoiler: it’s not a Fast & Furious audition. Whether you’re a learner, a supervising driver, or just here for the laughs, this episode is packed with practical advice, gentle reassurance, and a few giggles at our own expense. Think of it as your friendly pep talk before you head out on your first lesson! 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 manoeuvers 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/  

Even MORE Aussie Road Rules You May Not Know! Think you’ve mastered the Aussie road rulebook? Think again! In this episode, Instructor Liz will dig up even more obscure, surprising, and downright quirky driving laws that could trip up even the most seasoned drivers. From unexpected rules about leg placement to tinting our windows; we’re serving up road rule revelations with a side of laughs. Perfect for supervising drivers, learners, and anyone who’s ever muttered “Wait… is that actually illegal?” Buckle up—this ride’s full of twists! Full driving lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/

Listener Advisory: This episode contains brief siren sound effects. If you’re listening while driving, please be aware; there may not be an emergency vehicle near you. But as Instructor Liz says: be aware of your surroundings! Emergency Vehicles and Driving Decisions: Insights from a Paramedic. Navigating around emergency vehicles can be one of the most stressful moments for any driver — especially new ones. In this episode, Instructor Liz explores how to respond safely and legally when sirens sound and flashing lights appear, offering calm clarity in what can feel like chaos. Joining the discussion is Zoe, an experienced paramedic who has worked in both Australia and the UK. She shares on-the-ground insights from life in emergency response, highlighting common driving errors and the impact they can have during high-stakes situations. This episode is a must listen to for new and experienced drivers alike! Topics Covered: Key road rules for responding to emergency vehicles in Australia Driver behaviour through the lens of a paramedic The differences between emergency responses in the UK and Australia How calm, confident choices can make all the difference Instructor Liz’s full lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/

Failed your driving test? You aren’t the only one. You didn’t get through. Your palms were sweaty, your indicators were… occasional, and your confidence is in a crumpled heap on the floor of the car. Whether you missed a mirror check, mounted a curb, or just forgot to check you speed —this is your second-chance starter pack.  Instructor Liz will talk you through what went wrong and how to fix the mistakes, so you don’t have the same problem on the next test. Real tips. Real talk. From the instructor who’s seen it all and solved it. Listen to this episode to turn that fail frown upside-down! Full driving lessons and instructional videos exclusive to subscribers here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/

Bonus Lesson: Hook Turns with Courtenay Rufus from CRUDE driving. In this bonus lesson, we’re tackling one of Melbourne’s most unique driving manouvers—the hook turn. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why right turns happen from the left lane, this episode will provide the clarity you need. Courtenay from CRUDE Driving joins Instructor Liz to break down this distinctive rule, ensuring you’re ready to navigate Melbourne’s streets with confidence. See more of Courtenay here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRUDEUltimateDrivingEducation/ Website: https://www.crudedriving.com.au/education http://YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CRUDEDriving Instructor Liz’s full driving lessons and instructional videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/ www.youtube.com/@learntodrivewithLiz

Tailgating is one of the biggest complaints about other drivers! Many people do it or are victims of it. Tailgating is also one of the main causes of crashes in the world today. Are you guilty of it? In this episode, Instructor Liz will explain why other drivers tailgate and what to do do prevent it. Picture credit: TMR Qld Instructor Liz’s full driving lessons and videos are available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/      

Navigating through adverse weather conditions can be challenging! Cyclone Alfred put South East Queensland on high alert and left many of us feeling anxious. In this episode, Instructor Liz will share her insights and recommendations for driving in poor weather, as well as the types of driving conditions you might face. Full driving lesson episodes and instructional videos are accessible here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/    

Tyre/tire care or as Instructor Liz says, “Don’t drive on anything that isn’t road!” In this episode, Instructor Liz explains what you should do to get the most value for money out of your tyres, as well as how to avoid costly repairs! As the photo shows, discarded coach screws left on the roads can certainly do major damage. Full driving lessons and instructional videos from a professional instructor of 27 years available here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/

Driving Test Tips 2. Instructor Liz gives more of her advice to make passing the practical driving test first go, much more likely! Her structured lessons have ensured that her pass rate has not fallen under 95% (first attempt) in the last 10 years, so by listening to this episode, you will understand why her students pass the test easily and confidently. For full Instructor Liz’s full driving lessons, click here: https://theartofconfidentdriving.com/