How to Sign "Driver"

To sign "driver," you combine the sign for "drive" with the "person" ending. First, form both hands into 'S' shapes (fists) in front of you, as if holding a steering wheel. Move your hands slightly forward and back or side-to-side to mimic steering. Then, immediately change both hands to flat open shapes with palms facing each other, and move them straight down to indicate a person.

Examples Using "Driver" in a Sentence

1

The bus driver was very friendly.

Sign "BUS", then "DRIVER" by making the steering wheel motion followed by the downward person ending, and finish with "FRIENDLY".

2

My sister is a truck driver.

Sign "MY SISTER", then "TRUCK", and follow it with the sign for "DRIVER" to clearly state her profession.

3

Are you the driver for tonight?

Point to the person to sign "YOU", sign "DRIVER", then "TONIGHT", making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Driver"
To sign "driver," you combine the sign for "drive" with the "person" ending. First, form both hands into 'S' shapes (fists) in front of you, as if holding a steering wheel. Move your hands slightly forward and back or side-to-side to mimic steering. Then, immediately change both hands to flat open shapes with palms facing each other, and move them straight down to indicate a person.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "driver" is a classic compound sign in ASL. The first part is highly iconic, directly mimicking the physical action of holding and turning a steering wheel. The second part is the standard ASL "agent marker," which traces the sides of a body to indicate "the one who does." Together, they literally mean "the person who drives."
Signing Tips
When signing "driver," make sure the distinction between the action ("drive") and the agent marker ("person") is clear. The steering motion should be relatively short and distinct, immediately followed by the downward motion of the flat hands. Keep your movements fluid so it looks like one continuous concept.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is forgetting the "person" ending, which changes the meaning from the noun "driver" to the verb "drive." Another mistake is making the steering wheel motion too large or exaggerated; keep your hands comfortably in front of your chest.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Driver" in a Sentence
1

The bus driver was very friendly.

Sign "BUS", then "DRIVER" by making the steering wheel motion followed by the downward person ending, and finish with "FRIENDLY".

2

My sister is a truck driver.

Sign "MY SISTER", then "TRUCK", and follow it with the sign for "DRIVER" to clearly state her profession.

3

Are you the driver for tonight?

Point to the person to sign "YOU", sign "DRIVER", then "TONIGHT", making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need to add the person ending?

Yes, if you are referring to the noun "driver." Without the flat hands moving downward at the end, the sign just means the action of driving.

Can I use this sign for a computer driver or a golf club?

No, this sign specifically refers to a person who operates a vehicle. For a computer driver or a golf club, you would typically fingerspell the word "driver" or use signs specific to that exact context.

How big should the steering motion be?

Keep the motion relatively small and natural, just like you are comfortably holding a steering wheel. Exaggerated movements are usually reserved for storytelling or emphasizing a difficult or wild drive.

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