Here are some possibilities:
* A driver: This is the most common answer. A driver is someone who controls the car by steering, accelerating, and braking.
* A mechanic: While they don't drive the car, they are essential in keeping it running and therefore "operating."
* A car owner: They may not personally drive the car, but they are responsible for its maintenance and use.
* A passenger: While they don't control the car, they are part of its operation by being inside and potentially influencing the driver's decisions.
So, who exactly "operates" a car depends on the specific context and how you define "operate."