Why not buy a gift certificate for your son/daughter so that they can choose which book/cd they would like.
L-Shop
Whilst your driving instructor will give you plenty of help for your tests you can do a lot to improve your performance by working through one or two books and using CDs/DVDs. There are many resources available. I have listed below some of the most useful official publications, and one or two unofficial (but well respected) resources. Most of the items listed below can be obtained from local shops, but you may have to pay more for them. Wherever you get your resources from ensure that they are up to date. The theory questions change every year or two so if you use resources that are over a year old they may not be so helpful. I try to keep the following links up to date but do check the date of the material when you get through to the Amazon site. If you want to check out other resources use the Amazon search link and type in something like 'Learn to drive'.
Essentials for private practice
L Plates
You must display L Plates on the front and back of your car. Many people have purchased L Plates with a thin magnetic strip across the top and bottom of the plate unfortunately this type often gets blown off the front of the car. The best removable type of plate has a fully magnetic back. Try those listed below.
Mirrors
Whilst not a legal requirement, a rear view mirror that can be used by the supervising driver is necessary to ensure safety. Suction mirrors are easily fixed in place and removed again. You can try one of the two listed below.
How to supervise a learner
Many arguments start in the car when family members try to supervise a learner. An easy to read book like 'Helping learners to practice' will go a longer way towards helping both the learner and the supervisor remain calm and ensuring that the driving practice really does help the learner progress.
Essentials for passing the theory test
Software
The theory test is in two parts. Part one consists of a series of questions, part two deals with hazard perception. The test is carried out on a computer. In order to practice the hazard perception you need at least one of the disks listed below. This will give you a number of practice videos very similar to those you will encounter in the test. All of these disks also enable you to take practice tests for the multi-choice questions. The disks also contain a lot of other information that you might find helpful, it is worth checking out their contents to see which will suit you best.
Books
Whilst the disks do contain everything you need for the theory test, many people also find books helpful. Everyone should read the highway code, it is the drivers handbook. It will also help with the theory test as the questions are based on information found in it. The small book detailing all road signs can be very helpful, as the highway code only covers the most commonly seen signs. Books specifically written to help you with the theory test (like the one below) include the entire bank of questions. By working through the book you can see every question you are likely to encounter on the test, most importantly the book will help you understand the purpose of each question showing how it relates to your future driving career.
Essentials for driving practice
Books
Some of the software listed above provide help with the practical side of driving. There are also a few books that some people will also find helpful. 'Learning to Drive' is an easy to read book that outlines the DSA requirements for the driving test. It will tell you what you need to be able to do but not really how to do it. The ultimate drivers book is 'The Official DSA Guide to Driving' this book tells you everything you need to know, it is comprehensive and will take a little while to work through - well worth it though if you are serious about staying safe on the road. The third book in this section will give you specific advice on facing your practical driving test.
Essentials for safer driving
Books
Passing your test is the beginning of what should be a long a pleasurable driving experience. Sadly many will have an accident within the first two years of their driving experience. The following two books and DVD concentrate on advanced driving and are intended to extend your driving ability to help keep you safe. 'Roadcraft' is in fact the police drivers handbook, it details the way the experts should drive. Putting into practice the contents of this book will certainly help you, unfortunately though it will not allow you to cross red lights with blue lights flashing (unless you join the force of course).