One of the milestones of growing up is getting to 17 and being able to learn to drive. This means that there's plenty of gift opportunities here for friends and family to buy driving related presents.

For a start, there's a driving licence to claim - you can do this in advance of your 17th birthday - but the forms need to be filled in by the person themself. Forms are available online - if you want to see all the DVLA information on applying for a provisional licence then click here

The D1 form is available at the post office or from the DVLA or online. There is a fee to be paid. It is currently £50.
You also need a passport size photo.

The licence could be paid for as part of a birthday present!

Booking driving lessons as a gift is a popular present for a 17th birthday and it's a practical way of someone getting started on the road to learning to drive!

When you book lessons for someone it's best to make sure you know when they're available or leave the timing of the lesson up to them to organise.

If the driving instructor gives you a booking card stating how many lessons you've paid for then you can gift wrap this nicely - otherwise you'll have to make up a little card to tell them what the gift is.

As well as the practical test there's now a theory exam and there are lots of books and dvds available to help you learn the highway code. These make great presents too - and are cheaper than driving lessons!

Play.com sell lots of driving theory books

Some driving lesson companys have special gift packs available to buy to give as gifts.

There are short intense courses available for learning to drive and these can also be purchased as a gift.

If you don't want to buy something quite that serious for a 17th Birthday then you could buy a driving experience from BuyAGift - you can find track days that don't require a driving licence yet but will give an amazing sense of achievement driving top cars on the Thrill Ride Combo or the Buckmore Race Evening.

There's also flying lessons - which would be an amazing gift to have for a 17th birthday. Whilst everyone else is having a driving lesson you could be having an Introductory Flying Lesson! Just think how that'd feel - taking control of a plane!

At buyagift look at the under 18s section for great gift ideas. There's a massive choice available and their price guarantee makes it great value too.

Girls celebrating their 17th ight appreciate a more social gathering of friends. You could surprise her by taking her out for a family dinner but arrange for her best friends to be at the restaurant too.

Having a party at home is a great idea - with a sleepover too. If it's a summer birthday then celebrate with a massive barbq where everyone has to dress up nicely. Then her best friends are allowed to stay over and have a giggly, gossipy late night.

If your 17 year old is a fan of a sport then take them and some of their friends to an event. If it's go-carting, take them out for a day's karting and then dinner out. For the braver then what about rock climbing? There's some amazing walls around all with tuition and it's an exhilerating activity.