What does "driving" mean?

1. (operating a vehicle) the act of controlling and moving a car, truck, or bus. 2. (providing power) the part of a machine or process that provides the power to make it move. 3. (forceful or strong) very strong and forceful, usually used to describe weather like rain or wind. 4. (motivating force) the main reason or person that makes something happen.

How do you use "driving"?

Often used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'driving licence' or 'driving test'. Commonly used in engineering contexts to describe gears, belts, or shafts.

Is it correct to say "I am going to driving school for learn to drive."?

No — say "I am going to driving school to learn to drive.". Use 'to' + infinitive to show purpose, even when the noun 'driving' is nearby.

driving

n. · adj.

US //ˈdɹaɪvɪŋ// UK //dɹˈaɪvɪŋ// driv·ing

1 operating a vehicle (n.)
A2 Elementary

the act of controlling and moving a car, truck, or bus.

the activity of operating and controlling a motor vehicle. Uncountable in general use; countable when referring to specific instances or styles.

Example

He enjoys driving on long trips because he finds the open road relaxing.

Example

The new legislation aims to reduce distracted driving by increasing the penalties for using mobile devices behind the wheel.

Usage

Often used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'driving licence' or 'driving test'.
- motoring
- steering
Pitfall

I am going to driving school for learn to drive.

I am going to driving school to learn to drive.

Use 'to' + infinitive to show purpose, even when the noun 'driving' is nearby.
2 providing power (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Technical

the part of a machine or process that provides the power to make it move.

providing the primary power or impulse for a mechanism or process.

Example

The driving belt on the engine needs to be replaced every few years.

Example

The main driving gear transmits torque to the secondary assembly, ensuring the entire conveyor system maintains a constant speed.

Usage

Commonly used in engineering contexts to describe gears, belts, or shafts.
- propelling
- powering
- driven

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 forceful or strong (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

very strong and forceful, usually used to describe weather like rain or wind.

exerting great pressure or force; characterized by intensity and momentum.

Example

We had to stop the car because the driving rain made it impossible to see.

Example

Despite the driving wind and freezing temperatures, the rescue team continued their ascent toward the stranded climbers.
- gentle
- weak
4 motivating force (adj.)
C1 Advanced Academic

the main reason or person that makes something happen.

acting as the primary motivation or influence behind a project, idea, or movement.

Example

Her passion for the environment was the driving force behind the new recycling project.

Example

Market demand for sustainable energy has become the driving factor in the recent surge of investment in solar technology.

Etymology 1

From Middle English dryvyng, drivende, from Old English drīfende, from Proto-Germanic drībandz, present participle of Proto-Germanic drībaną (“to drive”), equivalent to drive + -ing. Cognate with Saterland Frisian drieuwend, West Frisian driuwend, Dutch drijvend, German Low German drievend, German treibend, Swedish drivande.

Etymology 2

From Middle English driving, drivinge, equivalent to drive + -ing. Compare Dutch drijving, German Treibung.