- D -

Driven Disk

The friction disk of a clutch.

Driven Gear

The gear that receives the driving action from the drive gear.

Driven Pinion

A rotating shaft in the differential that transmits torque to another gear.

Driven Pinion Gear

One of the two main driving gears to multiply engine torque located within the transaxle or rear-driving axle housing.

Driven Plate

The friction plate in a clutch assembly.

Driver

1. The operator of a vehicle. 2. A car for everyday use.[3] An electronic switch (transistor) used to open and close the ground circuit of various output devices.

Driver-reaction Distance

The distance traveled between the point at which the driver perceives a need to brake and the actual start of brake application.

Driveshaft

The rotating shaft that transmits power from the transmission to the rear end in a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Driveshaft Loop

A safety component required in many forms of racing. It secures the driveshaft to the vehicle from below. This way, if the driveshaft or a U-joint fails, the driveshaft cannot hit the ground. This can be quite dangerous, especially if the front U-joint lets go, because the driveshaft can dig into the pavement and cause the vehicle to pole vault. Driveshaft loops can either be bolted on or welded in place.

Drivetrain

The pieces that transmit the power made by an engine to the ground, including the clutch or torque converter, transmission, driveshaft, differential or transaxle, axles, wheels and tires.

Driving Axle

An axle capable of transmitting power by way of a differential or other transmission arrangement. Also a term used for drive axle.

Driving Gloves

A thin leather glove that provides a snug fit and a good grip, and also protects hands from cold steering wheels and controls. Traditionally associated with European drivers or sports cars aficionados.

Driving Lamps

Auxiliary lights to provide additional illumination for high-speed driving.

Driving Lights

A term used for driving lamps.

Driving Lights

Forward-facing auxiliary lights that are intended to supplement a vehicle's high beams. Driving lights are not intended for use alone or with a vehicle's low beams. As opposed to fog lights. Driving lights usually are mounted in a front spoiler, but they also can be installed in a custom front bumper or on a grille guard.

Driving Shoes

Often a moccasin-type shoe that is designed to be worn while driving to prevent damage to dress shoes. Some driving shoes include special features, such as reinforcements to facilitate "heel-and-toe" driving techniques without wear on the shoe.

DRL

Daytime running lights.

Drop

To lower a structural part of a vehicle.

Drop Head Coup

English term for Convertible.

Drop Head Coupe

A British term for a two-door convertible.