How to Sign "Drive"

Both hands from a closed "S" handshape with the palms oriented toward the body. This sign includes directional information. If the speaker is going back to a place, the sign starts near the signers body and moves in the direction of the place that they are going back to(real or imaginary) and vice-versa if someone or thing is coming back to the vicinity of the speaker, the sign starts farther away from the body and is moved toward the signer or left/right etc.

Examples Using "Drive" in a Sentence

1

I will drive to the store.

Form the 'S' handshapes with your palms facing you, and move both hands forward, away from your body, to show that you are driving from your current location to a destination.

2

She is driving to my house.

Start with the 'S' handshapes further away from your body and move them inward toward your chest. This directional movement perfectly illustrates someone driving toward your current location.

3

He drove over to the next town.

Hold your 'S' handshapes and move them together toward the right or left side of your signing space to show the vehicle traveling to a location in that specific direction.

How to Sign "Drive"
Both hands from a closed "S" handshape with the palms oriented toward the body. This sign includes directional information. If the speaker is going back to a place, the sign starts near the signers body and moves in the direction of the place that they are going back to(real or imaginary) and vice-versa if someone or thing is coming back to the vicinity of the speaker, the sign starts farther away from the body and is moved toward the signer or left/right etc.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the physical act of driving. The two 'S' handshapes mimic your hands gripping a steering wheel, while the directional movement physically traces the path the vehicle takes from one location to another.
Signing Tips
Focus heavily on the directional aspect of this sign. The movement of your 'S' handshapes should clearly map out the journey from the starting point to the destination. Keep your hands parallel, as if gripping a steering wheel, and move them smoothly together.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is keeping the hands stationary when referring to traveling to a specific place. Because this is a directional sign, failing to move the 'S' handshapes toward the destination makes your sentence incomplete. Also, remember to keep your palms facing your body.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Drive" in a Sentence
1

I will drive to the store.

Form the 'S' handshapes with your palms facing you, and move both hands forward, away from your body, to show that you are driving from your current location to a destination.

2

She is driving to my house.

Start with the 'S' handshapes further away from your body and move them inward toward your chest. This directional movement perfectly illustrates someone driving toward your current location.

3

He drove over to the next town.

Hold your 'S' handshapes and move them together toward the right or left side of your signing space to show the vehicle traveling to a location in that specific direction.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to move my hands when signing 'drive'?

If you are talking about driving to a specific destination, yes! This is a directional sign, so moving your 'S' handshapes shows exactly where the car is going. The movement provides crucial context about the journey.

How do I show someone driving toward me?

You use the exact same 'S' handshapes, but you reverse the movement. Start with your hands further away from your body and move them inward toward your chest to show the vehicle approaching your location.

What is the difference between the signs for 'car' and 'drive'?

Both signs use the same 'S' handshapes to mimic holding a steering wheel. However, 'car' usually involves a smaller, repeated steering motion in place, while 'drive' uses a larger, directional movement to show actual travel from one point to another.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!