a licensed driver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a licensed driver" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has obtained a driver's license and is legally permitted to drive a vehicle. Example: "To rent a car, you must be a licensed driver and present your identification at the counter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only 14 of the 80 participants had a driver's license, and being a licensed driver had no effect on the study's outcome.

Huffington Post

The problem was that, to be a car inspector, you needed to be a licensed driver, and to have a license you needed to be sixteen.

The New Yorker

No one with a limited junior license in Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Nassau and Suffolk and New York City will be able to drive without a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, in the car.

The New York Times

But almost everybody is a licensed driver.

The New Yorker

I am now a licensed driver.

The New Yorker

I was going to be a licensed driver!

The New Yorker

After all, he had been a licensed driver in Virginia for years.

The New York Times

The total also includes households that cannot afford a car or do not have a licensed driver.

The New York Times

The NHTSA also urged states not to require a licensed driver for the most highly automated vehicles.

The Guardian - Tech

Few things are as liberating to a suburban teenager as turning 16 and becoming a licensed driver.

The New York Times

Holders of such permits are supposed to drive only during daylight and in the company of a licensed driver.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal requirements, ensure you specify that someone needs to be "a licensed driver" to operate a vehicle, especially in contexts like autonomous vehicle regulations or learner's permit restrictions.

Common error

Don't assume that everyone understands the difference between "a licensed driver" and someone with a learner's permit. Clearly state the type of authorization a driver possesses to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a licensed driver" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying an individual who has been granted legal permission to operate a motor vehicle. Ludwig confirms this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

9%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a licensed driver" is a common and grammatically sound term used to refer to someone who is legally authorized to operate a vehicle. Ludwig confirms this usage. It's frequently found in news articles, legal documents, and general discussions, indicating its wide applicability. When using this phrase, clarity is key – specify authorization and differentiate it from related terms like "permitted driver". While alternatives such as "authorized driver" or "qualified driver" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. Ensuring the distinction is important for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a driver with a valid license

Specifies that the license is currently active and not expired.

a permitted driver

Replaces "licensed" with "permitted", implying legal authorization to drive.

a driver holding a license

Describes the state of possessing a driver's license.

a driver in possession of a license

Similar to "holding a license", but slightly more formal.

a qualified driver

Focuses on the driver's competence and meeting the requirements to drive.

an authorized driver

Emphasizes the authorization aspect of having a license.

a certified driver

Highlights the certification process involved in obtaining a driver's license.

a legally entitled driver

Stresses the legal right to drive that a license grants.

a state-approved driver

Highlights that the driver has been approved by the state's licensing authority.

a driver with credentials

Uses a more general term to refer to the driver's licensing documents.

FAQs

How to use "a licensed driver" in a sentence?

You can use "a licensed driver" to specify that someone has the legal permission to drive a vehicle. For example, "The law requires "a licensed driver" to be present in self-driving cars during testing."

What's the difference between "a licensed driver" and "a permitted driver"?

While both terms relate to driving authorization, ""a licensed driver"" generally implies full driving privileges, whereas "a permitted driver" usually refers to someone with a learner's permit who has restrictions on when and with whom they can drive.

Which is correct, "a licensed driver" or "a license driver"?

"A licensed driver" is correct. "Licensed" is an adjective describing the driver, and the adjective should come before the noun.

What are the qualifications to become "a licensed driver"?

Qualifications to become ""a licensed driver"" vary by jurisdiction but generally include passing a written test, a driving test, and meeting minimum age requirements. Some jurisdictions also require completing a driver's education course.