The Conscious Driver
Preparing the human BEING behind the wheel
Ideal for Years 10–12
- 60–120 minute session
- Delivered at your school
- Presented by Natalie Vella & Skills2Drive
- Suitable for wellbeing, transition and senior student programs
- Also suitable for road safety initiatives and parents
An engaging session designed to complement driver education while developing awareness, understanding and decision-making for the road and beyond.
Student Wellbeing + Driver Education
Learning to drive is one of the most significant milestones in a young person's life. While driving lessons teach students how to operate a vehicle, safe driving is also shaped by the decisions they make, the influences around them and the person they become behind the wheel.
The Conscious Driver was created by Free to Be Resources in collaboration with Skills2Drive, bringing together expertise in student wellbeing and professional driver education. Our aim was to develop a learning experience that explores the human factors behind safe driving, helping students better understand themselves before they drive independently.
The program explores identity, awareness, influence, emotions, decision-making and responsibility. The Conscious Driver encourages students to consider what it means to become a trusted driver.
The roadmap
Explore the human side of preparing to drive independently.
Conversations built on the Person, the Thinker and the Driver.
THE JOURNEY
UNPLANNED & UNSCRIPTED. A CONVERSATION WORTH SHARING.
WATCH NOW: Natalie Vella & Nick Laroche Conversation JUNE 2026
This conversation started as a planning meeting between myself and Nick from Skills2Drive as we talked through ideas for The Conscious Driver. Initially it was not planned to be shared.
I found myself saying, "We should probably be recording this" as I was excited by how naturally our thinking aligned. We shared many of the same beliefs about the human factors that shape learning, behaviour and decision making.
As a professional driving instructor, Nick spoke about helping learner drivers build confidence, manage their emotions, step outside their comfort zones and become trusted drivers. I recognised the very same principles in my work supporting teens and wellbeing in schools.
Recently entering 'the Learner Driver' phase of parenting with my own teens I realised I was now a 'Learner Parent' discovering that teaching my children to drive was about more than operating a vehicle alone. After speaking with Nick (before and after my daughters driving lessons!) I loved that alongside developing practical driving skills, he was mentoring young people to think well, make responsible decisions and grow in confidence.
Our conversation begins to explore questions that are an important part of preparing young people for independent driving:
- How does anxiety and confidence influence driving?
- What role do parents play in shaping learner drivers?
- How do emotions affect judgement behind the wheel?
- Why are passengers and social influences so powerful?
- How do we help young people become thoughtful, responsible and trusted drivers?
We hope this discussion offers a deeper insight into the values and ideas shaping The Conscious Driver.
Natalie & Nick