A ‘backseat driver’ is a passenger in a vehicle who keeps telling the driver how to drive, without being asked to. Which of the following situations is the best example of a backseat driver?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Mr Rao sits beside his son, who is driving the family car, and keeps telling him when to change gear and to slow down at every turn, though his son has not asked for any help.
A backseat driver has three parts: the person is a passenger, he or she keeps telling the driver how to drive, and nobody has asked for this advice.
In Option (3) Mr Rao is a passenger, he keeps telling his son when to change gear and slow down, and his son has not asked for help. All three parts are present.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Priya has hired a driving instructor, who sits beside her during each lesson and tells her when to change gear. — Incorrect. Priya hired the instructor to guide her, so he is asked to give advice.
Option (2) Mr Rao drives the family car himself and keeps talking about the bad traffic. — Incorrect. Mr Rao is the driver, not a passenger.
Option (4) Mr Rao sits quietly in the back seat of the car, reading a newspaper. — Incorrect. Mr Rao gives no advice to the driver.