Many ESL speakers and learners are required to take driver education courses to obtain their driver license from the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). In the United States, each state DMV provides a different written test (for example the California DMV has a different test than the Florida DMV or the NY DMV). International driver licenses also sometimes require a written test. The key vocabulary provided is based on a standard DMV written test and is broken up into categories such as Nouns (Persons, Types of Vehicles, Dangerous Situations, etc.) Verbs, and Descriptive Phrases. Study these key words to help you or your classes better understand driving manuals and driver education courses.
Key DMV Driver Education Vocabulary: Verbs
approach a road
avoid an accident
be alert while driving
brake a car (step on the brakes)
change lanes
change lanes, tires
check, look into mirror
crash into something
cross a road
damage something
drive a car, drive defensively
enforce a law
exit a road
follow a car or vehicle
hit a car, an object
injure a person
insure a vehicle or car
merge onto a road
obey a lay
obtain a permit or license
operate a vehicle
overtake a car or vehicle
pass a car or vehicle
protect passengers
react to a situation
reduce speed
refuse to take a test
ride in a car
show identification
signal a turn
skid on the road
speed (drive above the speed limit)
steer a car or vehicle
stop a car or vehicle
turn a car or vehicle
warn another driver
wear safety belts
yield to (oncoming) traffic
More Key DMV Driver Education Vocabulary
