October 26 — Motorist's Day: history, traditions, congratulations
In autumn, Russia celebrates Automobile and Urban Transport Worker's Day, also known as Motorist's Day, or Chauffeur's Day. On this day, congratulations are extended to both professional drivers and employees of the automotive industry, car service stations, logistics companies, owners of personal vehicles and anyone interested in cars. Read about the history and traditions of this holiday in the Izvestia article.
When is Motorist's Day in 2025
Every year, motorists and drivers of urban transport, on whom the uninterrupted movement of transport and the comfort of millions of citizens depend, are honored on the last Sunday of October. In 2025, this day of the week falls on October 26.
The history of a professional holiday
The official date of the celebration is considered to be 1976, when the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR established the "Day of Motor Transport Workers". Initially, it was conceived as a tribute to truck and bus drivers, whose work was especially important for the national economy. Since 1980, the holiday has finally been fixed on the last Sunday of October, which made it possible to celebrate it on a non-working day.
In the post-Soviet period, the name and status of the holiday were repeatedly revised. In 1996, it was combined with the Day of the Road Worker, creating the "Day of Workers of Motor Transport and Road Management," but this initiative did not find support, and in 2000, Motorist's Day was again celebrated separately.
But the holiday did not stay in this status for long. In 2012, drivers were combined with employees of the city's public transport. It was then that the "Automobile and Urban Transport Worker's Day" was established, which is still celebrated in our country. However, it is still popularly called Motorist's Day.
This is due to the fact that over time, the holiday, which was established almost half a century ago, has outgrown a purely professional framework. After the total motorization of society, the car has become an integral part of the lives of millions of Russians, and Motorist's Day has acquired a truly popular status.
Traditions of Motorist's Day in Russia
Traditionally, the celebration of Motorist's Day is accompanied by many different events. Exhibitions of passenger transport and retro cars, educational campaigns about the rules of the road (SDA), test drives of the latest car models and car rallies along historical routes are organized in the cities.
One of the key events of the industry is the All—Russian competition of driving skills "The Best driver of Russia". The organizer of this large-scale event is the All-Russian public organization "Drivers of Russia".
Every year, the competition gathers the best drivers from all over the country. Participants demonstrate vehicle ownership in difficult driving conditions, knowledge of traffic regulations, the ability to make quick decisions in emergency situations, as well as provide first aid. Winning such an event is considered the highest recognition of professional excellence and brings the winners not only the honor and respect of colleagues, but also valuable prizes.
A similar competition — "The best car repair shop" — is held for car service workers. Its competitive program includes testing for knowledge of technical norms and standards, performing practical tasks on diagnostics and repairs, as well as evaluating the managerial competencies of managers, which guarantees customers the highest quality of services. In 2025, more than 6,000 car service stations from 800 Russian cities took part in it.
Regional competitions also play a significant role in maintaining high professional standards. For example, the Moscow Masters city professional skills competition is held annually in Moscow, bringing together representatives of 40 sought-after professions, including bus and tram drivers, which contributes to improving the quality of passenger transportation.
What should be the ideal driver?
The profession of a city transport driver is not just driving a bus or tram, but a huge responsibility for the lives of passengers and safety on the roads. Every working day is a constant concentration and strict adherence to the rules. Therefore, in addition to a driver's license and driving experience, a driver must have endurance, be stress-tolerant, and show attention and respect to passengers.
Main responsibilities
Ensuring security. The driver must not only masterfully operate a multi-ton car in dense urban traffic, but also ensure the safe boarding and disembarkation of people, monitor their behavior in the cabin.
Compliance with the traffic schedule. Punctuality and accurate adherence to the established route and schedule are the basis for the effective operation of the entire transport complex of the city.
Technical condition monitoring. Before each flight, the driver conducts an external inspection of the vehicle, checks the operation of the braking system, lighting, doors and other equipment to identify malfunctions before driving.
Interaction with passengers. The driver must correctly and politely answer questions, inform stops, and ensure that transport is accessible to people with limited mobility.
Prompt response to emergency situations. In the event of a breakdown, an accident or a conflict situation in the cabin, the driver must act according to the instructions, ensuring the evacuation of people and calling the necessary services.
How Russians see the driver
The work of a driver requires not only impeccable knowledge of traffic regulations and honed driving skills, but also high moral and psychological qualities, which is confirmed by a recent VTSIOM survey conducted on the eve of Motorist's Day.
According to a sociological study, what is more important for Russians is not speed and overtaking skills, but predictability, reliability and safety. Many people, representing the "ideal" driver, call an attentive, polite, collected and focused on the road person who is able to quickly assess the situation, as well as knows traffic regulations well and does not drink while driving.
How to celebrate Motorist's Day in 2025
Since Motorist's Day falls on a weekend, this is a great opportunity to meet with colleagues and friends in an informal setting. For teams of trucking companies and service centers, the ideal option would be to hold a festive banquet or a themed corporate party. It can be supplemented with professional contests and awards for the best employees.
Active recreation is another popular way to celebrate this day. For small companies, you can organize a field trip or arrange a go-kart race. For a family celebration, car—themed quests, a visit to an exhibition of retro cars, and watching movies about cars and racing together are suitable - from everyone's favorite "Wheelbarrows" to the exciting "Fast and Furious."
How to congratulate on October 26th
When choosing a gift for a professional driver or car enthusiast, it is important to take into account his personal preferences and tastes. A universal option will be travel souvenirs, gift certificates and gifts that will allow you to take care of comfort and safety. They will surely be appreciated.
Gift Ideas:
- compressor with digital display for self-inflating tires;
- A powerful traction car vacuum cleaner powered by a cigarette lighter.
- smartphone holder with wireless charging function;
- smart DVR with radar detector and GPS function;
- high-quality interior floor mats with high sides;
- organizers in the glove compartment or in the backs of chairs to maintain order;
- orthopedic pillow or massage cover on the seat for long trips;
- a stylish keychain or a thermocup heated by a cigarette lighter.
Congratulations
"Dear motorists, steering virtuosos and aces of the roads! Please accept my most sincere congratulations on Motorist's Day! We wish you that your path is always smooth and bright, and that you always have a green light on at the crossroads of life. I wish you good health, family well-being and an easy road on all your routes!"
"Congratulations on Motorist's Day to everyone for whom a car is not just a means of transportation, but a loyal friend and helper. May every trip be a joy, the road pleases with beautiful landscapes, and the passengers with their kind smiles and words of gratitude. Thank you for your hard work, for the comfort and speed that allow us to get to any point of the city on time!"
"Dear colleagues and all those who have connected their lives with road transport! Congratulations on the Day of the employee of automobile and urban passenger transport! Thank you for your daily hard work, professionalism and dedication. Let your journey run without "traffic jams", breakdowns and accidents. We wish you prosperity, stability and good salaries!"
"Congratulations on Motorist's Day to all those who cannot imagine their lives without roads and appreciate the unique feeling of freedom that a car gives! I wish your life was like an ideal highway — long, straight, without potholes and potholes. May luck always accompany you behind the wheel, and only good fellow travelers meet along the way!"
"Congratulations on Motorist's Day, a holiday for all those for whom the words "clutch", "overtaking" and "long road" have a special meaning! I wish that your life route was laid out only according to happy coordinates, and in difficult times there was always an "emergency exit". I wish you good health, prosperity and a million kilometers without breakdowns!"
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the Day of Road Workers, which was celebrated in Russia on October 19.
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