Steer vs. Drive — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Steering involves guiding the direction of a vehicle, while driving encompasses controlling all aspects of its operation.
Difference Between Steer and Drive
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Steering is the act of guiding or directing a vehicle's course, primarily focusing on its directional movement. This involves manipulating the steering wheel or other devices to change the vehicle's trajectory. For example, steering a car around a bend requires precise control of the steering wheel. On the other hand, driving encompasses a broader set of skills and responsibilities, including steering, accelerating, braking, and gear shifting, to operate a vehicle safely and efficiently. Driving a car not only involves steering it in the right direction but also managing its speed and responding to road conditions and traffic.
The concept of steering is closely associated with the physical mechanism that allows for the change in direction of a vehicle, such as a car's steering system which includes the wheel, column, and linkage. Whereas driving involves understanding and interacting with multiple vehicle systems, including the engine, transmission, and brakes, to control the vehicle's overall movement.
In terms of skill development, learning to steer is often one of the initial steps in becoming proficient in driving. It focuses on the fundamental ability to navigate and change directions. Conversely, becoming proficient in driving requires mastering a wider range of skills, including but not limited to steering, understanding road rules, and vehicle control under various conditions.
Steering can also be metaphorically used to describe guiding the direction of non-vehicular entities, such as projects or discussions. In contrast, driving can metaphorically imply powering or pushing something forward, such as driving a project towards completion, indicating a more comprehensive involvement than merely steering.
In automated or assisted driving systems, steering might be specifically referred to as the automated control of the vehicle's direction, while driving assistance systems might include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automated braking, highlighting the distinction between directional control and overall vehicle operation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Guiding the direction of a vehicle.
Operating and controlling a vehicle comprehensively.
Focus
Directional control.
Overall control, including speed, direction, and safety.
Skills Involved
Primarily involves maneuvering the steering mechanism.
Involves a wide range of skills including steering, accelerating, braking, and navigating.
In Automation
Refers to automated directional control.
Encompasses a broader range of automated vehicle functions.
Metaphorical Use
Guiding the direction of something.
Pushing or leading something towards a goal.
Compare with Definitions
Steer
To guide the direction of a vehicle.
He learned to steer the boat through narrow channels.
Drive
To operate and control a vehicle.
She drives her car to work every day.
Steer
Directing towards a destination.
She steered the conversation away from controversial topics.
Drive
To lead or force into a particular state.
The company was driven into bankruptcy.
Steer
Influence or direct in a particular direction.
Her advice steered him towards a better decision.
Drive
To propel or push forward.
His ambition drives him to work hard.
Steer
To navigate a path.
Steer clear of the rocky areas when hiking.
Drive
To cause someone to act.
A sense of duty drives her volunteer work.
Steer
To guide or control the course of something.
He steered the project through numerous challenges.
Drive
To pursue a goal or result.
They drive for excellence in all they do.
Steer
Guide or control the movement of (a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft), for example by turning a wheel or operating a rudder
He steered the boat slowly towards the busy quay
He let Lily steer
Drive
Operate and control the direction and speed of a motor vehicle
They drove back into town
He got into his car and drove off
Steer
The type of steering of a vehicle
Some cars boast four-wheel steer
Drive
Propel or carry along by force in a specified direction
The wind will drive you onshore
Steer
A piece of advice or information concerning the development of a situation
The need for the NHS to be given a clear steer as to its future direction
Drive
Urge or force (animals or people) to move in a specified direction
The French infantry were driven back
They drove a flock of sheep through the centre of the city
Steer
Another term for bullock
Drive
(of a fact or feeling) compel (someone) to act in a particular way, especially one that is considered undesirable or inappropriate
He was driven by ambition
Some people are driven to murder their tormentors
Steer
To guide (a vessel or vehicle), especially by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or wheel
Steered the car around the curve.
Drive
A trip or journey in a car
They went for a drive in the country
Steer
To set and follow (a course)
Steered a path around the rocks.
Drive
An organized effort by a number of people to achieve a purpose
A recruitment drive by the police
Steer
To direct the course of
Steered the business toward record profits.
Drive
The transmission of power to machinery or to the wheels of a motor vehicle
He experimented with chain drive to run the propeller
Steer
To advise or direct (a person) toward a place or course of action
Steered the intern toward a career in sales.
Drive
(in ball games) a forceful stroke made with a free swing of the bat, racket, or foot against the ball
A hard drive to left field
Steer
To guide a vessel or vehicle.
Drive
An act of driving a group of animals to a particular destination
Cattle were no longer taken on long drives, but were delivered by rail
Steer
To follow or move in a set course.
Drive
To push, propel, or press onward forcibly; urge forward
Drove the horses into the corral.
Steer
To admit of being steered or guided
A craft that steers easily.
Drive
To repulse or put to flight by force or influence
Drove the attackers away.
Drove out any thought of failure.
Steer
A piece of advice
The salesman gave me a bum steer on that new car.
Drive
To guide, control, or direct (a vehicle).
Steer
(intransitive) To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel).
The boat steered towards the iceberg.
I steered homeward.
Drive
To convey or transport in a vehicle
Drove the children to school.
Steer
(transitive) To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel).
I find it very difficult to steer a skateboard.
When planning the boat trip, we had completely forgotten that we needed somebody to steer.
Drive
To traverse in a vehicle
Drive the freeways to work.
Steer
(intransitive) To be directed and governed; to take a direction, or course; to obey the helm.
The boat steers easily.
Drive
To supply the motive force or power to and cause to function
Steam drives the engine.
Steer
(transitive) To direct a group of animals.
Drive
To cause or sustain, as if by supplying force or power
"The current merger mania is apparently driven by an urge ... to reduce risk or to exploit opportunities in a very rapidly changing business environment" (Peter Passell).
Steer
(transitive) To maneuver or manipulate a person or group into a place or course of action.
Hume believes that principles of association steer the imagination of artists.
Drive
To compel or force to work, often excessively
"Every serious dancer is driven by notions of perfection—perfect expressiveness, perfect technique" (Susan Sontag).
Steer
(transitive) To direct a conversation.
Drive
To force into or from a particular act or state
Indecision drives me crazy.
Steer
To conduct oneself; to take or pursue a course of action.
Drive
To force to go through or penetrate
Drove the stake into the ground.
Steer
(transitive) To direct or send an object into a specific place
Drive
To create or produce by penetrating forcibly
The nail drove a hole in the tire.
Steer
(transitive) To castrate (a male calf).
Drive
To carry through vigorously to a conclusion
Drove home his point.
Drive a hard bargain.
Steer
(informal) A suggestion about a course of action.
Drive
(Sports) To throw, strike, or cast (a ball, for example) hard or rapidly.
Steer
(obsolete) A helmsman; a pilot.
Drive
(Basketball) To move with the ball directly through
Drove the lane and scored.
Steer
The castrated male of cattle, especially one raised for beef production.
Drive
(Baseball) To cause (a run or runner) to be scored by batting. Often used with in.
Steer
A young male of the ox kind; especially, a common ox; a castrated taurine male from two to four years old. See the Note under Ox.
Drive
(Football) To advance the ball over (certain yardage) in plays from scrimmage.
Steer
A rudder or helm.
Drive
To chase (game) into the open or into traps or nets.
Steer
A helmsman; a pilot.
Drive
To search (an area) for game in such a manner.
Steer
To castrate; - said of male calves.
Drive
To move along or advance quickly
We could hear the trucks driving along the highway.
Steer
To direct the course of; to guide; to govern; - applied especially to a vessel in the water.
That with a staff his feeble steps did steer.
Drive
To rush, dash, or advance violently against an obstruction
The wind drove into my face.
Steer
To direct a vessel in its course; to direct one's course.
Drive
To operate a vehicle, such as a car
How long has he been driving?.
Steer
To be directed and governed; to take a direction, or course; to obey the helm; as, the boat steers easily.
Where the windVeers oft, as oft [a ship] so steers, and shifts her sail.
Drive
To go or be transported in a vehicle
We all got in the car and drove to the supermarket.
Steer
To conduct one's self; to take or pursue a course of action.
Drive
(Sports) To hit, throw, or impel a ball or other missile forcibly.
Steer
An indication of potential opportunity;
He got a tip on the stock market
A good lead for a job
Drive
(Basketball) To move directly to the basket with the ball.
Steer
Castrated bull
Drive
(Football) To advance the ball in plays from scrimmage.
Steer
Direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
Drive
To make an effort to reach or achieve an objective; aim.
Steer
Direct (oneself) somewhere;
Steer clear of him
Drive
The act of driving
Took the car out for a drive after dinner.
Steer
Be a guiding force, as with directions or advice;
The teacher steered the gifted students towards the more challenging courses
Drive
A trip or journey in a vehicle
It's a long drive to Eau Claire from here.
Drive
Abbr. Dr. A road for automobiles and other vehicles.
Drive
The means or apparatus for transmitting motion or power to a machine or from one machine part to another.
Drive
The position or operating condition of such a mechanism
"He put his car into drive and started home" (Charles Baxter).
Drive
The means by which automotive power is applied to a roadway
Four-wheel drive.
Drive
The means or apparatus for controlling and directing an automobile
Right-hand drive.
Drive
(Computers) A device that reads data from and often writes data onto a storage medium, such as an optical disc or flash memory.
Drive
A strong organized effort to accomplish a purpose
A drive to finish the project before the deadline.
Drive
Energy, push, or aggressiveness
An executive with a lot of drive.
Drive
(Psychology) A strong motivating tendency or instinct related to self-preservation, reproduction, or aggression that prompts activity toward a particular end.
Drive
A massive, sustained military offensive.
Drive
(Sports) The act of hitting, knocking, or thrusting a ball very swiftly.
Drive
(Sports) The stroke or thrust by which a ball is driven
An awkward drive on the first tee that sent the ball into the woods.
Drive
(Sports) The ball or puck as it is propelled
The goalie stopped a hard drive in the opening minute.
Drive
(Basketball) The act of moving with the ball directly to the basket.
Drive
(Football) A series of downs in which the ball is advanced by the offensive team.
Drive
A rounding up and driving of livestock to new pastures or to market.
Drive
A gathering and driving of logs down a river.
Drive
The cattle or logs thus driven.
Drive
Planned, usually long-lasting, effort to achieve something; ability coupled with ambition, determination, and motivation.
Crassus had wealth and wit, but Pompey had drive and Caesar as much again.
Drive
Violent or rapid motion; a rushing onward or away; especially, a forced or hurried dispatch of business.
Drive
An act of driving (prompting) game animals forward, to be captured or hunted.
Drive
An act of driving (prompting) livestock animals forward, to transport a herd.
Drive
(military) A sustained advance in the face of the enemy to take a strategic objective.
Napoleon's drive on Moscow was as determined as it was disastrous.
Drive
A mechanism used to power or give motion to a vehicle or other machine or machine part.
A typical steam drive
A nuclear drive
Chain drive
Front-wheel drive
Some old model trains have clockwork drives.
Drive
A trip made in a vehicle (now generally in a motor vehicle).
It was a long drive.
Drive
A driveway.
The mansion had a long, tree-lined drive.
Drive
A type of public roadway.
Beverly Hills’ most famous street is Rodeo Drive.
Drive
(dated) A place suitable or agreeable for driving; a road prepared for driving.
Drive
(psychology) Desire or interest.
Drive
(computer hardware) An apparatus for reading and writing data to or from a mass storage device such as a disk.
Floppy drive
Drive
(computer hardware) A mass storage device in which the mechanism for reading and writing data is integrated with the mechanism for storing data.
Drive
(golf) A stroke made with a driver.
Drive
A ball struck in a flat trajectory.
Drive
(cricket) A type of shot played by swinging the bat in a vertical arc, through the line of the ball, and hitting it along the ground, normally between cover and midwicket.
Drive
(soccer) A straight level shot or pass.
Drive
(American football) An offensive possession, generally one consisting of several plays and/ or first downs, often leading to a scoring opportunity.
Drive
A charity event such as a fundraiser, bake sale, or toy drive.
A whist drive
A beetle drive
Drive
(retail) A campaign aimed at selling more of a certain product, e.g. by offering a discount.
Vaccination drive
Drive
(typography) An impression or matrix formed by a punch drift.
Drive
A collection of objects that are driven; a mass of logs to be floated down a river.
Drive
(transitive) To provide an impetus for motion or other physical change, to move an object by means of the provision of force thereto.
You drive nails into wood with a hammer.
Drive
(transitive) To provide an impetus for a non-physical change, especially a change in one's state of mind.
My husband's constant harping about the condition of the house threatens to drive me to distraction.
Drive
To displace either physically or non-physically, through the application of force.
Drive
To cause intrinsic motivation through the application or demonstration of force: to impel or urge onward thusly, to compel to move on, to coerce, intimidate or threaten.
Drive
(transitive) (especially of animals) To impel or urge onward by force; to push forward; to compel to move on.
To drive twenty thousand head of cattle from Texas to the Kansas railheads; to drive sheep out of a field
Drive
To direct a vehicle powered by a horse, ox or similar animal.
Drive
(transitive) To cause animals to flee out of.
Drive
(transitive) To move (something) by hitting it with great force.
You drive nails into wood with a hammer.
Drive
(transitive) To cause (a mechanism) to operate.
The pistons drive the crankshaft.
Drive
To operate (a wheeled motorized vehicle).
Drive a car
This SUV drives like a car.
Drive
To operate (an aircraft).
Drive a 737
Drive
(transitive) To motivate; to provide an incentive for.
What drives a person to run a marathon?
Drive
(transitive) To compel (to do something).
Their debts finally drove them to sell the business.
Drive
(transitive) To cause to become.
This constant complaining is going to drive me to insanity.
You are driving me crazy!
Drive
To hit the ball with a drive.
Drive
(intransitive) To travel by operating a wheeled motorized vehicle.
I drive to work every day.
Drive
(transitive) To convey (a person, etc.) in a wheeled motorized vehicle.
My cousin drove me to the airport.
Drive
(intransitive) To move forcefully.
Drive
(intransitive) To be moved or propelled forcefully (especially of a ship).
Drive
(transitive) To urge, press, or bring to a point or state.
Drive
(transitive) To carry or to keep in motion; to conduct; to prosecute.
Drive
(transitive) To clear, by forcing away what is contained.
Drive
(mining) To dig horizontally; to cut a horizontal gallery or tunnel.
Drive
(American football) To put together a drive (n.): to string together offensive plays and advance the ball down the field.
Drive
(obsolete) To distrain for rent.
Drive
(transitive) To separate the lighter (feathers or down) from the heavier, by exposing them to a current of air.
Drive
To impel or urge onward by force in a direction away from one, or along before one; to push forward; to compel to move on; to communicate motion to; as, to drive cattle; to drive a nail; smoke drives persons from a room.
A storm came on and drove them into Pylos.
Shield pressed on shield, and man drove man along.
Go drive the deer and drag the finny prey.
Drive
To urge on and direct the motions of, as the beasts which draw a vehicle, or the vehicle borne by them; hence, also, to take in a carriage; to convey in a vehicle drawn by beasts; as, to drive a pair of horses or a stage; to drive a person to his own door.
How . . . proud he was to drive such a brother!
Drive
To urge, impel, or hurry forward; to force; to constrain; to urge, press, or bring to a point or state; as, to drive a person by necessity, by persuasion, by force of circumstances, by argument, and the like.
He, driven to dismount, threatened, if I did not do the like, to do as much for my horse as fortune had done for his.
Drive
To carry or; to keep in motion; to conduct; to prosecute.
The trade of life can not be driven without partners.
Drive
To clear, by forcing away what is contained.
To drive the country, force the swains away.
Drive
To dig Horizontally; to cut a horizontal gallery or tunnel.
Drive
To pass away; - said of time.
Drive
Specif., in various games, as tennis, baseball, etc., to propel (the ball) swiftly by a direct stroke or forcible throw.
Drive
To operate (a vehicle) while it is on motion, by manipulating the controls, such as the steering, propulsion, and braking mechanisms.
Drive
To rush and press with violence; to move furiously.
Fierce Boreas drove against his flying sails.
Under cover of the night and a driving tempest.
Time driveth onward fast,And in a little while our lips are dumb.
Drive
To be forced along; to be impelled; to be moved by any physical force or agent; to be driven.
The hull drives on, though mast and sail be torn.
The chaise drives to Mr. Draper's chambers.
Drive
To go by carriage; to pass in a carriage; to proceed by directing or urging on a vehicle or the animals that draw it; as, the coachman drove to my door.
Drive
To press forward; to aim, or tend, to a point; to make an effort; to strive; - usually with at.
Let them therefore declare what carnal or secular interest he drove at.
Drive
To distrain for rent.
Drive
To make a drive, or stroke from the tee.
Drive
To go from one place to another in a vehicle, serving as the operator of the vehicle; to drive{9} a vehicle from one location to another.
Drive
In various games, as tennis, cricket, etc., the act of player who drives the ball; the stroke or blow; the flight of the ball, etc., so driven.
Drive
A stroke from the tee, generally a full shot made with a driver; also, the distance covered by such a stroke.
Drive
The act of driving; a trip or an excursion in a carriage, as for exercise or pleasure; - distinguished from a ride taken on horseback.
Drive
A place suitable or agreeable for driving; a road prepared for driving.
Drive
Violent or rapid motion; a rushing onward or away; esp., a forced or hurried dispatch of business.
The Murdstonian drive in business.
Drive
In type founding and forging, an impression or matrix, formed by a punch drift.
Drive
A collection of objects that are driven; a mass of logs to be floated down a river.
Drive
A private road; a driveway.
Drive
A strong psychological motivation to perform some activity.
Drive
A device for reading or writing data from or to a data storage medium, as a disk drive, a tape drive, a CD drive, etc.
Drive
An organized effort by a group to accomplish a goal within a limited period of time; as, a fund-raising drive.
Drive
The period during which one team sustains movement of the ball toward the opponent's goal without losing possession of the ball; as, a long drive downfield.
Drive
An act of driving a vehicle, especially an automobile; the journey undertaken by driving an automobile; as, to go for a drive in the country.
Drive
The mechanism which causes the moving parts of a machine to move; as, a belt drive.
Drive
The way in which the propulsive force of a vehicle is transmitted to the road; as, a car with four-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, etc.
Drive
Driven.
Drive
The act of applying force to propel something;
After reaching the desired velocity the drive is cut off
Drive
A mechanism by which force or power is transmitted in a machine;
A variable speed drive permitted operation through a range of speeds
Drive
A series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end;
He supported populist campaigns
They worked in the cause of world peace
The team was ready for a drive toward the pennant
The movement to end slavery
Contributed to the war effort
Drive
A road leading up to a private house;
They parked in the driveway
Drive
The trait of being highly motivated;
His drive and energy exhausted his co-workers
Drive
Hitting a golf ball off of a tee with a driver;
He sliced his drive out of bounds
Drive
The act of driving a herd of animals overland
Drive
A journey in a vehicle driven by someone else;
He took the family for a drive in his new car
Drive
A physiological state corresponding to a strong need or desire
Drive
(computer science) a device that writes data onto or reads data from a storage medium
Drive
A wide scenic road planted with trees;
The riverside drive offers many exciting scenic views
Drive
(sports) a hard straight return (as in tennis or squash)
Drive
Operate or control a vehicle;
Drive a car or bus
Can you drive this four-wheel truck?
Drive
Travel or be transported in a vehicle;
We drove to the university every morning
They motored to London for the theater
Drive
Cause someone or something to move by driving;
She drove me to school every day
We drove the car to the garage
Drive
Force into or from an action or state, either physically or metaphorically;
She rammed her mind into focus
He drives me mad
Drive
To compel or force or urge relentlessly or exert coercive pressure on, or motivate strongly;
She is driven by her passion
Drive
Cause to move back by force or influence;
Repel the enemy
Push back the urge to smoke
Beat back the invaders
Drive
Compel somebody to do something, often against his own will or judgment;
She finally drove him to change jobs
Drive
Push, propel, or press with force;
Drive a nail into the wall
Drive
Cause to move rapidly by striking or throwing with force;
Drive the ball far out into the field
Drive
Strive and make an effort to reach a goal;
She tugged for years to make a decent living
We have to push a little to make the deadline!
She is driving away at her doctoral thesis
Drive
Move into a desired direction of discourse;
What are you driving at?
Drive
Have certain properties when driven;
This car rides smoothly
My new truck drives well
Drive
Work as a driver;
He drives a bread truck
She drives for the taxi company in Newark
Drive
Move by being propelled by a force;
The car drove around the corner
Drive
Urge forward;
Drive the cows into the barn
Drive
Proceed along in a vehicle;
We drive the turnpike to work
Drive
Strike with a driver, as in teeing off;
Drive a golfball
Drive
Hit very hard and straight with the bat swinging more or less vertically;
Drive a ball
Drive
Excavate horizontally;
Drive a tunnel
Drive
Cause to function by supplying the force or power for or by controlling;
The amplifier drives the tube
Steam drives the engines
This device drives the disks for the computer
Drive
Hunting: search for game;
Drive the forest
Drive
Hunting: chase from cover into more open ground;
Drive the game
Common Curiosities
Is steering easier than driving?
Steering is one aspect of driving, focusing on directional control, and is generally considered a basic skill within the broader skill set required for driving.
Can steering systems be automated?
Yes, modern vehicles can include automated steering systems, such as those used in autonomous or semi-autonomous driving technologies.
How does driving differ in manual and automatic vehicles?
Driving a manual vehicle requires operating a clutch and shifting gears manually, while automatic vehicles handle gear changes automatically, but both involve steering and other driving fundamentals.
Do all vehicles require steering?
Virtually all vehicles require some form of steering to navigate, though the mechanisms may vary (e.g., wheel, handlebars, joystick).
Can driving habits affect vehicle maintenance?
Yes, driving habits, such as aggressive steering, accelerating, and braking, can impact vehicle wear and maintenance needs.
Is steering important in racing?
Steering is crucial in racing, where precision and control over the vehicle's direction can significantly impact performance and safety.
Is it possible to steer a vehicle at any speed?
While you can steer a vehicle at various speeds, the effectiveness and safety of steering maneuvers depend on speed, road conditions, and vehicle dynamics.
How do adverse weather conditions affect steering and driving?
Adverse weather, such as ice or rain, can affect traction and handling, making steering and overall vehicle control more challenging.
Can you drive without steering?
No, driving involves steering as a fundamental component, among other skills, to control and operate a vehicle.
How do driving simulators help with learning to drive?
Driving simulators can provide a realistic environment for practicing steering, navigation, and other driving skills in a controlled setting.
Are there any health benefits to driving or steering?
While driving itself is not typically considered a health activity, it can improve hand-eye coordination and cognitive focus.
Can autonomous vehicles eliminate the need for human steering?
Autonomous vehicles aim to eliminate the need for human steering and driving, but currently, most systems still require human oversight.
Are there vehicles that steer without a traditional steering wheel?
Some innovative vehicle designs and autonomous vehicles may use alternative steering mechanisms, such as joysticks or automated systems, instead of traditional steering wheels.
How do educational programs address steering and driving skills?
Educational driving programs typically start with basic skills like steering before advancing to more complex driving scenarios, emphasizing both practice and theory.
Can driving skills be transferred between different types of vehicles?
Basic driving skills, including steering, can be transferred, but each vehicle type may require additional specific skills due to differences in size, controls, and handling.
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Maham Liaqat
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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.
