IELTS Speaking Part 1

Driving: questions and Band 8 answers

The examiner asks three to five short questions on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. Here are 5 questions about driving written by BandLadder in the examiner's style, each with a Band 8 sample answer. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 5 questions
  • 5 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes

5 answers

Sample answers

1

Do you know how to drive?

Yes, I do. I actually passed my driving test about three years ago on my second attempt. Since then, I've been driving my mum's old hatchback fairly regularly, mostly to get to university and do the weekly food shop.

2

How often do you travel by car?

Almost every day, to be honest. I live quite far out in the suburbs, so public transport isn't particularly convenient. If I'm not behind the wheel myself, I'm usually getting a lift into town with a friend or colleague.

3

Do you prefer driving or being a passenger?

I definitely prefer being a passenger, especially during rush hour. Driving can be quite stressful when traffic builds up, whereas sitting in the passenger seat allows me to relax, look out of the window, or listen to music without worrying about the road.

4

Did you find it easy to learn to drive?

Not really, no. I was around nineteen when I started taking lessons, and I found things like parallel parking and navigating busy roundabouts quite nerve-wracking at first. It took me several months to feel confident on the road.

5

Would you like to go on a long road trip in the future?

I'd love to, actually. My friends and I have been talking about hiring a camper van and driving across the Scottish Highlands next summer. I think exploring scenic country routes at your own pace sounds like a fantastic holiday.

Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.

Answer out loud and get a band

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7 words

Useful vocabulary

  • hatchback

    A small car with a back door that opens upwards.

  • behind the wheel

    In the driver's seat; driving a car.

  • getting a lift

    Getting a free ride from someone in their vehicle.

  • rush hour

    The busy times of day when people travel to work.

  • parallel parking

    Parking a car in line with other parked cars.

  • nerve-wracking

    Causing a lot of worry or stress.

  • at your own pace

    Doing something as fast or slowly as you prefer.

  • →If you cannot drive, simply explain why and talk about alternative ways you travel.
  • →Use natural driving collocations such as 'rush hour', 'getting a lift', or 'behind the wheel'.
  • →Keep your answers concise by giving a direct response followed by a brief reason and detail.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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