How To Celebrate Getting Your Driver's License
You have passed your test and received your driver's license, now it's time to celebrate!
But what's the best way to mark this momentous occasion?
We'll show you some celebration tips to make this day memorable while also looking at gift ideas for new drivers.
How to Celebrate as a New Driver
Getting your driver's license is an exciting achievement at any age. Whether you're a teen driver or an adult, that newfound freedom is worth celebrating.
Show Off Your License
We're living in the age of "flex", and for many new drivers, the first port of call is to flaunt their success on social media.
There's nothing wrong with this. After all, that license is a ticket to increased freedom and responsibility; it's proof of your hard work and, if you're a teen, it's a massive step toward the freedoms of adulthood.
But be careful what you post and who sees it.
If you're showing the actual license, make sure the information is obscured, lest you become a target for identity thieves. And don't assume that you can simply hold the license from a distance, as they could just zoom in.
Use some hashtags (#driverslicense, #driverspermit, #newdriver), express your excitement, and wait for the praise!
Of course, being a new driver comes with a few responsibilities, especially if you're the only driver in your friendship circle. It means you'll be the one they call upon when they need a ride, and you'll almost certainly be the designated driver for the foreseeable future. So, if you have any overly needy friends and want an easy life, this strategy may warrant a rethink.
Go On a Road Trip
If you already have your own car and you're eager to get on the road, why not take a road trip?
It's the perfect way to celebrate your newfound freedom and you can take your best friends on a fun little adventure.
Make sure you're adequately prepared and don't do anything you're not comfortable with, such as driving in heavy snow or ice. It's about having fun while also adding some miles to the clock.
Throw a Driver's License Party
Everyone loves a party and they usually don't need an excuse to have one, but becoming a new driver is a great reason to pop a few corks (if you're old enough) and blast some music.
What Do You Give A New Driver?
If your friend or child has just gotten their driver's license, here are a few ways you can celebrate.
Give Them a New Responsibility
The United States has one of the lowest age requirements for drivers in the world. It means that a driver can acquire their license when they're still at school. On the one hand, they have the freedom of the road and are legally allowed to drive anywhere they want. But at the same time, they must abide by curfews set by their parents and complete chores to collect their allowance.
They feel like an adult while constantly being reminded they are still a child. One of the best things you can do, therefore, is to give them a little more freedom and responsibility.
Task them with driving the family car during an upcoming road trip, ask them to take care of maintenance for the family car, and let them take the vehicle when it's free. Show them that you trust them while giving them some behind-the-wheel experience.
Buy Them a New Car
Cars aren't cheap, but if you're a parent and you're celebrating your teen passing their test, consider buying them a car. It doesn't have to be new and it definitely doesn't have to be their dream car. It's all about getting them on the road and giving them their own vehicle.
If not, they'll just borrow the family car every time they drive to school, work, or pick up friends.
Get A Themed Cake
Who doesn't love cake?
To celebrate your friend, family member, or child passing their driving test, drop by your local cake shop and see what they have in stock. If you have a few extra bucks to spend, you could request a custom creation, such as one that includes a license plate (with their name), a steering wheel, a rearview mirror, or even a driver's license.
Give Them Something Useful
A new car isn't the only useful gift for new drivers. If that's out of your budget or you're not a family member, check out the following gift ideas instead:
- A car maintenance kit
- A car cleaning kit
- A roadside emergency kit
- A personalized keychain
- An ice scraper
- Membership for the AAA Auto Club
- Phone grips/holders
- A documents holder
- A personalized license plate
- Cool/cute car bling
- A street sign
What To Get Someone Who Is Learning To Drive?
If your friend, child, or family member is only just getting started on their driving journey, there are a few gifts you can buy them to mark the occasion and show your support.
Driving Lessons
Driving lessons can help a new driver prepare for the driving test. They can be expensive, but there are also helpful apps and video courses if they are out of your budget.
A Book About Driving
There are many books about driving, so there are a few options to choose from. The Driving Book by Karen Gravelle is one of the most popular and covers many of the topics that new drivers need to know about. They may also appreciate joke books, driving-based novels, and other driving nonfiction books.
Car Insurance
Auto insurance is a great idea for a learner driver or a new driver. Not only is it essential, but it's one of those things that no one looks forward to buying. New drivers are charged huge premiums on their car insurance and these increase even more for teen drivers. If you can take some of those burdens away, they'll be delighted.
Learner Plates
Learner plates are a traditional, fun, and practical gift—the perfect gift idea for parents and close friends.
What Should A First-Time Driver Buy?
If you have just acquired your driver's license and are wondering what you should buy, consider some of the products mentioned above.
First things first, you need a car and car insurance. You can be added to your parents’ premium and borrow their car, but it's always worth scraping a few bucks together and looking at some cheap used cars.
An emergency kit is essential to help with breakdowns and other emergencies and you should also pick up a phone holder and cleaning/maintenance supplies.