Car vocabulary in Britain and America

There are many differences between British and American English. Sometimes we use different words and other times just the spelling is different. In this post, you'll learn some vocabulary for talking about cars and driving. You might hear these words quite often in films and TV shows so I hope this post helps you!

driving licence (UK) / driver's license (USA)
The paper or card that says you have passed your test and are allowed to drive. Notice the different spelling of licence / license. I still have to check this one in the dictionary sometimes!

number plate or registration plate (UK) / license plate (USA)
A piece of metal or plastic with numbers and letters on it, found on the front and back of a vehicle and used to identify it.

tyre (UK) / tire (USA)
The black rubber part of the wheel.

boot (UK) / trunk (USA)
The space in the back of the car where you can put shopping or suitcases.

bonnet (UK) / hood (USA)
This is like a door that covers the engine.

windscreen (UK) / windshield (USA)
This is the name of the front window.

petrol (UK) / gas (USA)
The liquid you put in the car at the petrol / gas station to make it go.

​accelerator (UK) / gas pedal (USA)
The thing you push with your foot to make the car go.

manual car (UK) / stick shift (USA)
A car in which you have to operate the gears. The opposite is an automatic. (By the way most cars in the UK are manual but most Americans drive an automatic.)

pavement (UK) / sidewalk (USA)
This is the path next to the road where people can walk.

car park (UK) / parking lot (USA)
A large outdoor area with many spaces for people to park their cars.

multistorey car park (UK) / parking garage (USA)
A building with many levels for parking a car.

crossroads (UK) / intersection (USA)
Where two roads cross each other, like a letter X.

pedestrian crossing (UK) / crosswalk (USA)
The part of the road where people can cross on foot, and cars have to stop.
In the UK, we also say zebra crossing if it's marked with black and white stripes.

motorway (UK) / freeway (USA)
A wide road with several lanes for fast travel.

slip road (UK) / ramp (USA)
​A road that allows traffic to drive onto or off a main road easily.

indicator (UK) / turn signal (USA)
An orange light on the left or right of your car that flashes to show which way you're turning.

lorry (UK) / truck (USA)
A large vehicle used for carrying heavy goods.

overtake (UK) / pass (USA)
To get past another vehicle which is going more slowly.


​If you would like to know how to improve your vocabulary and how to remember new words more easily, my "English Vocabulary Challenge" e-book is for you.
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