A straightforward noun for a person who drives a car, bus, truck, etc. Neutral in register.
運転者はシートベルトを着用しなければならない。
The driver must wear a seatbelt.
バスの運転者は乗客の安全に責任がある。
The bus driver is responsible for the passengers' safety.
運転者 is a neutral term for anyone driving a vehicle, while 運転手 specifically means a professional driver such as a taxi or bus driver.
歩行者 refers to a person traveling on foot, while 運転者 refers to the person operating a vehicle, a common contrast in traffic contexts.
excellent driver; model driver
designated driver
beginner driver plate; new driver sticker
elderly driver mark; clover-shaped symbol for drivers aged 70+
Compound of 運転 (driving, operation) and 者 (person). A straightforward Sino-Japanese word.