Interviews

High-intermediate

What are the steps to get a driver’s license in your country? Do people take lessons at a school, or do they learn from family and friends? 

Here are some words and expressions that appear in the video:

break the law (verb): do something illegal
– If you break the law, you may face fines or other penalties.

backseat driver (noun): someone who gives unwanted advice to the driver to control where they go
– Hey. Stop being a backseat driver. I know how to drive.

stress someone out (phrasal verb): make someone feel very nervous or worried
– My parents always stress me out when I drive. They always think I’m going to get in an accident.

wreck (noun): a serious accident
– Three weeks ago, we were in a terrible wreck when a truck lost control on the highway and ran into us.

luck out (phrasal verb): succeed by luck
– You lucked out when the police officer only gave you a warning for speeding.

Now, watch the interview and answer the comprehension questions. You can also turn on the automatically-generated captions for the video once you start it.

What are basic driving rules for these situations, and what is the penalty for violating these laws?

• legal driving age
• speed limits in the city, in school zones, and on the highway
• seatbelts for adults and children
• wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle
• right of way when coming to a four-way stop (in other words, which car proceeds first)

The following activities deal with related topics to give you additional language practice.

• Drive Someone Crazy – Idiom
• Driver’s Education
• Driver’s License
• Drivers with Disabilities
• Driving Road Test
• Teenage Drivers
• Texting and Driving
• Winter Driving Tips