Riding vs. Driving — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 6, 2024
Riding refers to traveling as a passenger or controlling an animal or bicycle; driving specifically involves operating a motor vehicle, typically cars or trucks.
Difference Between Riding and Driving
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Riding" encompasses a broader range of activities where the person is either a passenger or controls non-motorized vehicles like bicycles or animals such as horses. Whereas "driving" is specifically related to controlling a motorized vehicle, like a car or bus, implying the person is directly operating and responsible for the vehicle’s movements.
When discussing transport, riding can involve being a passenger in any vehicle, such as riding in a car or on a bus. On the other hand, driving requires active engagement and control over the vehicle's operation, focusing solely on motorized vehicles.
In the context of bicycles, one would say they are riding a bike. Conversely, you would not use driving in this context because it strictly pertains to motorized forms of transportation.
Equestrian activities are commonly associated with riding, referring to controlling a horse. Driving does not apply in this context unless discussing driving a horse-drawn carriage, which still incorporates the aspect of controlling the motion of a vehicle.
The terminology also differs in legal and regulatory contexts. For instance, driving laws apply to motor vehicles and require a driver’s license, which specifies the types of vehicles one is authorized to drive. Riding a bicycle, however, usually does not require a license, but cyclists must adhere to specific traffic laws.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Traveling as a passenger or controlling a non-motorized vehicle or animal
Operating a motorized vehicle
Vehicle Type
Bicycles, animals, passenger in any vehicle
Cars, trucks, motorized vehicles
Involvement
Can be passive or active
Always active
Licensing
Not required for bicycles or animals
Required for motor vehicles
Examples
Riding a horse, riding in a taxi
Driving a car, driving a truck
Compare with Definitions
Riding
To sit on and control the movement of an animal or bicycle.
She loves riding her horse on the trail.
Driving
The act of maneuvering a car or other motor vehicle.
Driving in snowy conditions requires extra caution.
Riding
Being a passenger in any kind of transport.
He enjoys riding in the backseat during long trips.
Driving
Operating a motorized vehicle.
He's been driving trucks for over a decade.
Riding
Traveling on something with little control over it.
Riding the subway to work is quick and convenient.
Driving
Controlling a vehicle's speed and direction.
She prefers driving at night when the roads are clear.
Riding
Engaging in a form of travel where control is limited.
She went riding on a tandem bike with her friend.
Driving
Navigating roads in a vehicle.
She's driving to Florida for her vacation.
Riding
Using a non-motorized vehicle or animal for travel.
Riding bicycles is his preferred mode of transportation.
Driving
Responsibility for a vehicle while it’s moving.
He was driving when they got into an accident.
Riding
The act of riding.
Driving
Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and bicycles. Permission to drive on public highways is granted based on a set of conditions being met and drivers are required to follow the established road and traffic laws in the location they are driving.
Riding
Horseback riding.
Driving
Transmitting power or motion.
Riding
An administrative division or electoral division in Canada.
Driving
Violent, intense, or forceful
A driving rain.
Riding
Any one of three former administrative divisions of Yorkshire, England.
Driving
Energetic or active
A driving personality.
Riding
The act or an instance of riding, as in a vehicle or on an animal.
Driving
Present participle of drive
Riding
A path made for riding on horseback, especially through woodlands.
Driving
That drives (a mechanism or process).
Riding
A device, such as one at an amusement park, that one rides for pleasure or excitement.
Driving
That drives forcefully; strong; forceful; violent
Riding
A means of transportation
Waiting for her ride to come.
Driving
The action of the verb to drive in any sense.
Riding
To be carried or conveyed, as in a vehicle or on horseback.
Driving
In particular, the action of operating a motor vehicle.
Riding
(Sports) To participate in a board sport such as snowboarding.
Driving
(golf) The act of driving the ball; hitting the ball a long distance, especially from the tee to the putting green.
Riding
To travel over a surface
This car rides well.
Driving
Having great force of impulse; as, a driving wind or storm.
Riding
To move by way of an intangible force or impetus; move as if on water
The President rode into office on a tide of discontent.
Driving
Communicating force; impelling; as, a driving shaft.
Riding
(Nautical) To lie at anchor
Battleships riding at the mouth of the estuary.
Driving
The act of forcing or urging something along; the act of pressing or moving on furiously.
Riding
To seem to float
The moon was riding among the clouds.
Driving
Tendency; drift.
Riding
To be sustained or supported on a pivot, axle, or other point.
Driving
Hitting a golf ball off of a tee with a driver;
He sliced his drive out of bounds
Riding
To be contingent; depend
The final outcome rides on the results of the election.
Driving
The act of controlling and steering the movement of a vehicle or animal
Riding
To continue without interference
Let the matter ride.
Driving
Having the power of driving or impelling;
A driving personal ambition
The driving force was his innate enthusiasm
An impulsive force
Riding
To work or move from the proper place, especially on the body
Pants that ride up.
Driving
Acting with vigor;
Responsibility turned the spoiled playboy into a driving young executive
Riding
To sit on and control the movement of
Rode a motorcycle to town.
Ride a horse to the village.
Riding
(Sports) To glide or move while standing on or having one's feet attached to (a board, such as a snowboard).
Riding
To travel over, along, or through
Ride the highways.
Riding
To be supported or carried on
A swimmer riding the waves.
Riding
To take part in or do by riding
He rode his last race.
Riding
To cause to ride, especially to cause to be carried
The police rode him down to the station.
Riding
(Sports) To control (an opponent) in wrestling, usually by holding the opponent down.
Riding
(Nautical) To keep (a vessel) at anchor.
Riding
To tease or ridicule.
Riding
To harass with persistent carping and criticism.
Riding
To keep partially engaged by slightly depressing a pedal with the foot
Don't ride the clutch or the brakes.
Riding
Present participle of ride
Riding
A path cut through woodland.
Riding
The act of one who rides; a mounted excursion.
Riding
The behaviour in the motion of a vehicle, such as oscillation.
Riding
(obsolete) A festival procession.
Riding
(historical) Any of the three administrative divisions of Yorkshire and some other northern counties of England.
Riding
(Canada) Electoral district or constituency.
Riding
One of the three jurisdictions into which the county of York, in England, is divided; - formerly under the government of a reeve. They are called the North, the East, and the West, Riding.
Riding
The act or state of one who rides.
Riding
A festival procession.
When there any riding was in Cheap.
Riding
A district in charge of an excise officer.
Riding
Employed to travel; traveling; as, a riding clerk.
Riding
Used for riding on; as, a riding horse.
Riding
Used for riding, or when riding; devoted to riding; as, a riding whip; a riding habit; a riding day.
Riding
Riding a horse as a sport
Riding
Riding a horse as a means of transportation
Riding
Traveling by wheeled vehicle such as bicycle or automobile e.g.;
The riding public welcomed the new buses
Common Curiosities
Why might someone choose riding over driving?
For enjoyment, exercise, environmental reasons, or the lack of a need for a driver’s license, as in bicycle riding.
What is the main difference between riding and driving?
Riding can mean either being a passenger or controlling non-motorized vehicles or animals, while driving specifically involves operating motorized vehicles.
Is riding a motorcycle considered riding or driving?
Typically, it is considered driving because motorcycles are motorized vehicles.
Can you be riding in a car?
Yes, if you are a passenger and not controlling the vehicle, you are riding in the car.
What are legal responsibilities associated with driving not relevant to riding?
Driving laws, insurance requirements, and vehicle registration that aren't typically required for riding.
How do driving regulations differ for different vehicles?
Different vehicles, like cars, trucks, and motorcycles, require different types of licenses and adhere to various regulations.
What does driving require that riding might not?
Driving requires a driver’s license and directly operating a motor vehicle, unlike some forms of riding.
Why is a license required for driving but not always for riding?
Driving a motor vehicle poses significant risks and requires understanding complex controls and laws, whereas riding such as on a bicycle or horse typically involves less risk to others.
Can riding include using public transportation?
Yes, riding includes being a passenger on public transportation such as buses or trains.
What skills are unique to driving compared to riding?
Navigating traffic, vehicle maintenance knowledge, and understanding of motor vehicle laws.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
