The Best Gifts for New Drivers

Once a niche gadget for tech enthusiasts and professional drivers, dash cameras have become increasingly popular as essential tools for all drivers, especially for those who are new to the world of driving. Some benefits of using a dash cam include:

• Improved driving behavior. Knowing that they are being recorded can encourage drivers to be more cautious and responsible.
• Documentation of trips. Serving as a travel log, dashboard cameras can capture scenic routes and memorable moments on the road.
• Enhanced security. Many models include a parking feature that can record incidents when the vehicle is parked and unattended, which help deters theft and vandalism.
• Proof of events and evidence in accidents. It is valuable to have footage of unexpected events on the road, like wildlife encounters, as well as crucial evidence in the event of an accident. 

Staying connected and ensuring the driver’s safety are top priorities. This is why Bluetooth and hands-free devices are considered car essentials for new drivers, especially in older vehicles that lack integrated Bluetooth technology. Some advantages of using Bluetooth car kits and adapters include:

• Hands-free calling. Making it safer and more convenient to answer and make phone calls when driving while also reducing distractions, Bluetooth car kits allow for hands-free calling.
• Wireless audio streaming. Drivers can wirelessly stream music, podcasts, audiobooks and navigation instructions from a smartphone to the car’s audio system.
• Voice commands. Many Bluetooth car kits support voice recognition, allowing the driver to make calls, send messages or control audio playback without taking their hands off the wheel.

For new drivers, the ability to navigate, communicate and access important information on their smartphones is invaluable. That’s why cell phone car mounts are essential gifts for first time drivers. Playing a significant role in enhancing safety and convenience, here are some key benefits of using a car phone mount:

• Easier navigation. New drivers can look at GPS directions without having to hold their phone, making it easier to follow directions in unfamiliar places.
• Clear visibility. Mounting a phone at eye level helps the driver quickly glance at the screen without taking their eyes off the road for an extended period of time.
• Customizable positioning. Most phone mounts are designed to accommodate various smartphone sizes and shapes, making them suitable for a wide range of devices.
• Reduced risk of traffic violations. Using a phone while driving without a hands-free device is illegal in most places, but phone mounts help drivers comply with these regulations. 

When compiling a list of the best presents for new drivers, no list can be complete without mentioning cell phone car chargers. Perfectly blending practicality and thoughtfulness, car chargers offer several benefits for the new driver, including:

• Continuous connectivity. Keeping a new driver’s smartphone charged in the car ensures that they can maintain essential features, like making calls, assessing navigation apps and staying connected in case of an emergency.
• Versatile device sharing. The compatibility to charge several types of devices, such as cell phones, tablets, GPS devices, cameras and more, directly from a car’s power source lets new drivers stay charged up wherever they go.
• Affordability. Car chargers are also good gifts for new drivers because of how affordable they are. This is ideal if you are putting together a new driver gift basket and want something that is sure to be used and appreciated. For even more inspiration, be sure to also take a peek at some of the best gift ideas for car lovers.

Hitting the open road for the first time is often complemented by the rhythm of a favorite song playing in the background. This experience can be elevated to a whole new level with the gift of a car stereo receiver, letting new drivers choose their favorite music. Advantages of having a stereo receiver include:

• Improved audio quality. If you’ve ever read up on tips for updating your car audio, you’ll know that upgrading a car’s factory-installed stereo receiver can significantly improve the audio quality.
• Customization. Receivers provide various audio customization options, allowing the new driver to adjust equalizer settings, balance, fade and other audio parameters.
• Entertainment options. AM/FM radio, CD/DVD playback and Bluetooth-enabled streaming capabilities provide drivers with different entertainment options. There are even SiriusXM ready car stereo receivers that work seamlessly with satellite radio.