Driver's License: Meaning, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：driver's license (driver's license)

driver's license 🔊

/ˈdraɪvərz ˈlaɪsəns/

An official card that proves you are allowed to drive a car.

driver's license 🔊

➕

/ˈdraɪvərz ˈlaɪsəns/

An official card issued by a government authority that grants the holder permission to operate a motor vehicle on public roads.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Compound of 'driver' (agent noun from 'drive') and 'license' (from Latin 'licentia' meaning freedom).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a key turning in a license card—unlocking the right to drive freely on the road.

📖 Example

She finally got her driver's license and immediately drove to the beach to celebrate. 🔊 She finally got her driver's license and immediately drove to the beach to celebrate.

🔗 Collocations

apply for a driver's license – Submit an official request to obtain a driver's license.

renew a driver's license – Extend the validity of a driver's license before it expires.

suspend a driver's license – Temporarily revoke a driver's license as a penalty for violations.

🔄 Synonyms

driving permit (n.) – An official document allowing a person to drive, often used interchangeably with driver's license.

driver's permit (n.) – A permit that authorizes an individual to operate a vehicle, especially for learners.

license to drive (n.) – Legal permission to drive a vehicle, granted by a governing body.

🚫 Antonyms

driving ban (n.) – A court order that prohibits a person from driving for a period of time.

license suspension (n.) – The temporary withdrawal of a driver's license as a penalty.

🌱 Derivatives

driver (n.) – A person who drives a vehicle.

licensed (adj.) – Having official permission to do something, such as drive.

licensing (n.) – The process of granting official permission.

📖 Cultural Story

Driver's licenses became common in the early 20th century as cars proliferated, now serving as primary ID in many countries.