Is it 'driver's license' or 'drivers' license'?

The standard possessive form is 'driver's license' (singular possessive). 'Drivers' license' (plural possessive) is considered non-standard, though sometimes seen.

What's the difference between 'licence' and 'license'?

In British English, 'licence' is the noun (a driving licence), and 'license' is the verb (to license someone). In American English, 'license' is used for both noun and verb.

Can I use my foreign driver's license in the US/UK?

Rules vary. Typically, you can use it for a short visit (often 12 months). For longer stays, you usually need to exchange it or pass a local test. Always check the official government website of the country you're visiting.

Is a driver's license a valid form of ID?

Yes, in most everyday situations in its country of issue (e.g., buying age-restricted goods, boarding domestic flights, opening a bank account). It is not valid for international travel, which requires a passport.

driver's license

High

UK/ˈdraɪvəz ˌlaɪsəns/US/ˈdraɪvɚz ˌlaɪsəns/

Neutral to Formal

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Definition

Meaning

An official document granting legal permission to operate a motor vehicle on public roads.

A symbolic representation of personal autonomy and identity, often used as a primary form of official identification, signifying maturity and responsibility.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily used as a count noun. Possessive 'driver's' is standard; the alternative spelling 'driving licence' (UK) is a compound noun without the possessive.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

UK uses 'driving licence' (no possessive). US uses 'driver's license' (possessive). The physical format and administrative procedures differ significantly.

Connotations

In the US, it is deeply tied to concepts of freedom and coming of age. In the UK, it is a more standard administrative document, though still an important rite of passage.

Frequency

Both terms are extremely frequent in their respective dialects. 'Driver's license' is also common in UK informal speech, but 'driving licence' is the official term.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

apply for arenew yourlose yourshow yourget your

medium

validprovisionalfullinternationalphotoexpired

weak

suspendedrevokedplasticofficialgovernment-issued

Grammar

Valency Patterns

have + a driver's licenseget/obtain + a driver's licenseuse + something + as a driver's licensecheck + someone's + driver's license

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

permit (in some contexts, e.g., 'driver's permit')

Neutral

driving licencelicence (UK context)

Weak

IDidentification cardphoto IDauthorisation

Vocabulary

Antonyms

disqualificationbanrevocation

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Don't leave home without it.”
“A license to print money (different meaning).”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Required for roles involving company vehicle operation; part of background checks (e.g., 'A clean driver's license is required for the courier position.')

Academic

Rarely appears except in sociological or policy studies on transportation, legal age, or identity (e.g., 'The study examined driver's license acquisition as a marker of adult transition.')

Everyday

Extremely common for identification, age verification, and discussing personal mobility (e.g., 'I need to renew my driver's license next month.')

Technical

Used in legal, law enforcement, and DMV/RMV contexts regarding issuance standards, security features, and point systems (e.g., 'The new driver's license incorporates biometric data encryption.')

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

You must be licensed to drive a HGV.
She is licensed to carry passengers.

American English

You must be licensed to drive a commercial truck.
The state licensed him after the test.

adjective

British English

The licensed driver accompanied the learner.
A licensed vehicle.

American English

Only licensed drivers can rent cars.
He showed his licensed identification.

Examples

By CEFR Level

This is my new driver's license.
I have a driver's license.
She needs her driver's license.

I lost my driver's license and had to apply for a replacement.
Can I see your driver's license for identification, please?
You must carry your driver's license when you drive.

Her driver's license was suspended after she accumulated too many penalty points.
The bouncer scrutinised the driver's license carefully, suspecting it might be a forgery.
International driver's permits are required for motorists in some foreign countries.

The proposal to digitise driver's licenses has raised significant concerns about data privacy and accessibility.
Possessing a driver's license is often a de facto requirement for employment in regions with inadequate public transport.
The photorealistic hologram on the latest driver's license is a sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measure.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: The license is FOR the driver → the driver's license.

Conceptual Metaphor

A KEY (to mobility/freedom); a PASSPORT (to adulthood/independence); a TICKET (to drive).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct calque 'водительские права' (voditel'skie prava). The standard term is 'водительские права' is correct, but be aware it's not a direct word-for-word translation of 'license'. 'License' is 'лицензия' (licenziya) in other contexts, but not used for driving.

Common Mistakes

Using plural 'drivers' license' (incorrect apostrophe). Confusing 'licence' (UK noun) with 'license' (US noun/UK verb). Saying 'car license' instead of 'driver's license'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Before you can rent a car, you must present a valid and a credit card.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the standard British English term?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: The standard possessive form is 'driver's license' (singular possessive). 'Drivers' license' (plural possessive) is considered non-standard, though sometimes seen.
: In British English, 'licence' is the noun (a driving licence), and 'license' is the verb (to license someone). In American English, 'license' is used for both noun and verb.
: Rules vary. Typically, you can use it for a short visit (often 12 months). For longer stays, you usually need to exchange it or pass a local test. Always check the official government website of the country you're visiting.
: Yes, in most everyday situations in its country of issue (e.g., buying age-restricted goods, boarding domestic flights, opening a bank account). It is not valid for international travel, which requires a passport.