His real name is unknown both in the novel and the film he is simply referred to as Driver. Driver works in garage and as a stunt man by day and a getaway driver by night. He is rather laconic and pensive and his only real friend is Shannon the mechanic he works for.Driver's life is changed when he meet's Irene and her son and he is then drawn into becoming their friend and guardian. He was all set to become a racing driver for Bernie Rose but the incident at the pawn shop changed everything. To ensure Irene's safety he ended up abandoning the money and leaving Bernie Rose dead in a parking lot and driving away into an abyss.