English Reference

Word

bus driver

Countable noun

Definition

n. a person whose job is to drive a bus. They follow a route to pick up and drop off passengers at different stops.

n. an individual employed to operate a large passenger vehicle along a fixed route. Typically involves collecting fares and maintaining a schedule.

Examples

“The bus driver waits for the last passenger to get on.”

“I always say thank you to the bus driver when I get off at my stop in the city centre.”

“Municipal transit authorities require every bus driver to undergo rigorous training in passenger safety and urban navigation before they are assigned to a public route.”

Examples

simple

“The bus driver waits for the last passenger to get on.”

contextual

“I always say thank you to the bus driver when I get off at my stop in the city centre.”

complex

“Municipal transit authorities require every bus driver to undergo rigorous training in passenger safety and urban navigation before they are assigned to a public route.”

Usage

Often treated as a single noun phrase; the plural is formed by adding 's' to 'driver'.

Teaching tip

use this to teach the 'noun + agentive noun' compound pattern, similar to 'taxi driver' or 'truck driver'.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Level
A1 · Beginner
Updated

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English Reference