A motor vehicle designed to carry 10 or fewer passengers, including the operator, is called a __________.

A motor vehicle designed to carry 10 or fewer passengers, including the operator, is indeed referred to as a passenger car. This classification is essential as it encompasses a broad range of vehicles primarily intended for personal transport rather than cargo or commercial use.

Passenger cars are typically designed for convenience and comfort in transporting small groups of people, which makes them distinct from other types of vehicles like light trucks or school buses. A light truck, for example, is primarily intended for carrying goods rather than passengers, while a school bus is specifically designed for transporting students. A minivan, although it can carry up to 10 passengers, is a specific type of vehicle that is often designed with family transport in mind and may not be classified similarly within all contexts as a passenger car.

Understanding this definition helps to clarify the regulatory framework surrounding vehicle classifications and ultimately informs licensing and safety measures on the road.