Just Passed: A List of Gift Ideas for New Drivers to Celebrate Their Hard Work

With an estimated 40% of learners passing their driving test the first time, when a friend, family member, colleague, or someone close to you passed their driving test, you might want to offer them more than congratulations to celebrate all their hard work. Not only does it mean that all their hard work has paid off, but it's a significant milestone in their life since it grants a sign of independence and freedom that nothing besides a pair of wheels can grant.  

You only pass your driving test once (or so we'd like to think!), and what better way to mark this special occasion for someone else than by presenting them with a thoughtful gift? However, while there might be loads of Christmas or birthday gift lists on the internet, there are far fewer detailing what to purchase for a new driver.  

To help you prepare, we've curated a list of gift ideas specifically for new drivers. From personalised number plates that can help commemorate the excitement of their special moment to practical accessories designed to enhance their driving experience, we've listed all kinds of gifts sure to make the new driver in your life burst with pride. Whether you're looking for something that'll make them laugh out loud or sentimental, keep reading to find out more.  

Advanced Driving Lessons  

We're sure that the last thing a new driver could want to celebrate their newfound freedom would be with more driving lessons. While it might not be the most exciting gift on our list, purchasing advanced driving lessons for someone who has recently passed can be an excellent way to build their confidence in driving scenarios/conditions they haven't been able to experience while learning to drive, the motorway, for instance.  

Around three hundred and thirty-six traffic-related accidents happen daily in the UK, with several of the most severe happening on the motorway. Due to this, it's only natural that they might be nervous about their first time. However, laws surrounding allowing learners on the motorway have changed since 2018 in Britain; not all driving instructors are willing to take all students onto the motorway, highlighting the need for advanced lessons even after passing their test.  

So long as the vehicle used for the classes is fitted with dual controls and 'L' plates, and the person driving is accompanied by an approved driving instructor, advanced courses can equip more apprehensive new drivers with the skills needed to tackle motorway driving, making them less scared when they come to do it on their own.  

You might opt for advanced motorway classes or something more all-encompassing like the Pass Plus scheme organised by the UK government, which includes six hours of additional teaching and aims to help new drivers improve their driving ability twelve months after passing their test. In contrast, others focus on one element of driving and can last much longer! 

Personalised Number Plates  

If you'd like to gift the new driver in your life something that both commemorates this milestone in their life while making their driving experience unique, you could consider purchasing them a pair of personalised number plates.  

Over the years, personalised number plates have become popular among new UK drivers for various reasons, from concealing the age of your first car to marking a special occasion and serving as a good investment, plus much more.  

Private number plates can be a humorous, sentimental, or generous gift since they can be personalised using letters/numbers in various ways. Whether you'd like to add an important date, initials, phrase, name, etc., you can create something exceptional for the new motorist in your life.   

While something might come to mind naturally if you're having trouble deciding what combination of numbers/letters to use, you could consider visiting providers' websites like Regtransfers to get some inspiration. Using their search tool, you can enter any name, car, initials etc., and it will provide several recommended number plates for you to choose from. Consider visiting their website for more information, or contact them directly to see how their products could serve as an excellent gift for someone who has just passed their driving test today.  

Car Insurance Coverage  

While we wouldn't suggest buying your neighbour or colleague car insurance coverage for passing their driving test (although we're sure they'd appreciate it!), you could consider doing so for a close friend or family member. If you're a driver yourself, you'll be well aware of the additional costs of being a car owner; in between vehicle taxing, petrol, maintenance, etc., money never stops being funnelled into your vehicle.   

One of the biggest monthly outgoings for your vehicle is car insurance, which can fluctuate in price depending on your driving record, the cost of your car, location, mileage, age, gender, and many other factors. For new drivers aged between seventeen and twenty-five, though, their first insurance policy can be expensive, as with less experience behind you, the more likely you are to have an accident in the eyes of an insurer – hence the hefty price tag!  

With this in mind, if you're struggling to find an appropriate gift for a close family member that's recently passed their driving test, you could consider offering to pay for their first year (or a couple of months) of car insurance payments. We're sure any contributions towards their car insurance payments won't go unnoticed, and even better, if you cover their first year of fees, they can focus on building their no-claims discount, which can reduce the cost of their premium after twelve months.  

While this gift option won't be viable for everyone, if you're able to make a year or a couple of months of car insurance payments on behalf of your friend/relative, it will give them an idea of how to manage their money once they start making the payments themselves. Plus, after twelve months providing that all is well, they'll receive their no-claims discount so that the prices will be a little less of a shock.  

Hands-Free Bluetooth Headset  

Music can make all the difference to your journey, whether you're nipping down the road to the supermarket or heading down the motorway to visit long-distance friends. However, the last thing you want to do is juggle your radio while keeping your eyes on the road and two hands on the steering wheel (even worse if you're trying to connect your phone to Bluetooth!).  

We're sure you don't want the new driver in your life to experience the same struggle, so with this in mind, why not consider gifting them a hands-free Bluetooth kit? While many drivers prefer to put their smartphones on shuffle, connect to Bluetooth, and listen to music this way, handling your mobile phone while driving can be hazardous. If caught, it can result in a hefty fine and penalty points on your licence – something new drivers want to avoid!  

With a hands-free Bluetooth headset, drivers can take/receive calls and control their music without worrying about multitasking since it can easily connect to your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone/radio. However, this doesn't mean they should be used twenty-four-seven while driving, as in-ear accessories can be seen as a distraction even to the most experienced drivers.  

So long as they're used properly, they can make great gifts for new drivers that are constantly on the go, and depending on which model, brand, or make you buy can set you back as little as £15. So, if you're looking for a fun and practical gift idea that won't set you back hundreds of pounds, look no further!