Have you ever dreamed of a road trip across the USA? In most English-speaking countries, driving is very common and getting one's license is often seen as a rite of passage.

In the tables below, you'll find lots of phrases that will be useful when talking about driving. Have a look and expand your English knowledge!

Learning How to Drive

Many teenagers in English-speaking countries dream of when they are finally able to get their license. The phrases in the table below will be helpful when talking about this important life step.
Do you have your driver's license yet?
I only have my permit.
How many times have you been driving so far?
Do you know how to drive stick-shift?
My driving test is next month.
I have to go and get my license renewed.
I haven't practiced driving on the highway yet.
Do you have your driver's license yet?
In the United States it's possible to get your driver's license when you turn 16. Many American teenagers look forward to when they can get their license. Driving a car is the main form of transportation in most parts of the country. So having a license gives a lot of freedom and opens up lots of opportunities.
I only have my permit
Before you can get your license in the United States, you have to get a permit. This is basically a practice license. It allows you to legally drive a car, but you can only drive if an adult is in the car with you. You have to drive with a permit for a certain number of hours before you can qualify to take your license test.
Do you know how to drive stick-shift?
If you have a car with manual transmission then you have to change its gears while you drive. Manual transmission is colloquially called stick-shift. Automatic transmission is the opposite. If a car is an automatic then its gears change automatically. In the United States, the majority of cars have automatic transmission.

Talking About Road Safety

There are lots of rules to follow when it comes to driving on public roads and highways. These phrases will be useful when talking about them!
I always buckle my seatbelt.
Always keep a safe distance to other cars.
I always come to a full stop at stop signs.
Pay attention to all road signs.
You are not supposed to text and drive.
It's illegal to drink and drive.
I got a ticket for speeding.
We have to pull over for the ambulance.
I got a ticket for speeding
When talking about driving, a ticket is short for speeding ticket. If you drive over the speed limit and are stopped by the police, then they will give you a ticket. This is a fine that you have to pay for breaking the law.
We have to pull over for the ambulance
Ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars always have the right of way when their lights are flashing. In English-speaking countries drivers will always pull over to the side to make room for these emergency vehicles. It's important to do this so that they can reach emergency situations in time.

Talking About Car Problems

Sometimes cars can give you trouble and it's important to be able to identify and fix the problems. These phrases will help you describe car problems.
My tank is nearly empty.
I have a flat tire.
Can you get the jack out of the trunk?
My right tail light isn't working.
The AC is broken.
My engine is making a weird noise.
The check engine light is flashing.
I need an oil change.

Relax while Listening to the Phrases

Keep calm and learn English! Listen to the phrases again with relaxing background music. This will help you improve your listening skills and remember the phrases. Choose your favorite style, then kick back and relax!


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Phrases
Dialogue
Phrases
Dialogue
Dialogue

Practice & Record a Dialogue

Take the next step and use what you’ve learned! Check out this topic’s dialogue unit and practice the phrases in a variety of exercises. Test your knowledge and get ready for real life conversations!
Thanks for practicing how to drive with me.en
No worries. How many times have you been driving so far?en
It's the fifth time. I went driving last week too.en

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most essential English phrases for talking about driving?
  • Do you have your driver's license yet?
  • Do you know how to drive stick-shift?
  • I always buckle my seatbelt.
  • It's illegal to drink and drive.
  • We have to pull over for the ambulance.
  • My tank is nearly empty.
  • I have a flat tire.
  • My engine is making a weird noise.
What do you have to do to get a license?
License requirements are different depending on what country you are in. In the USA you have to be 16, pass a written exam, drive with a learner's permit for one year, and then pass a final driving test with a police officer. In the UK you have to be 17 years old, pass a written exam, and then a final practical exam.
What are some of the most important things to keep in mind when driving in English-speaking countries?
If you decide to drive a vehicle while in an English-speaking country, the most important thing to do is follow all road safety laws of that specific country. Every country has their own laws, so it's important to look them up if you decide to go driving. You'll also want to pay attention to road signs, like stop signs and speed limit signs, as well as which side of the road everyone drives on. For example in Canada and the United States everyone drives on the right, but in the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand everyone drives on the left.

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