  We consider the parallaxes of sixteen cataclysmic variables and related
objects that are included in the TGAS catalogue, which is part of the Gaia
first data release, and compare these with previous parallax measurements. The
parallax of the dwarf nova SS Cyg is consistent with the parallax determination
made using the VLBI, but with only one of the analyses of the HST Fine Guidance
Sensor (FGS) observations of this system. In contrast, the Gaia parallaxes of
V603 Aql and RR Pic are broadly consistent, but less precise than the HST/FGS
measurements. The Gaia parallaxes of IX Vel, V3885 Sgr, and AE Aqr are
consistent with, but much more accurate than the Hipparcos measurements. We
take the derived Gaia distances and find that absolute magnitudes of
outbursting systems show a weak correlation with orbital period. For systems
with measured X-ray fluxes we find that the X-ray luminosity is a clear
indicator of whether the accretion disc is in the hot and ionised or cool and
neutral state. We also find evidence for the X-ray emission of both low and
high state discs correlating with orbital period, and hence the long-term
average accretion rate. The inferred mass accretion rates for the nova-like
variables and dwarf novae are compared with the critical mass accretion rate
predicted by the Disk Instability Model. While we find agreement to be good for
most systems there appears to be some uncertainty in the system parameters of
SS Cyg. Our results illustrate how future Gaia data releases will be an
extremely valuable resource in mapping the evolution of cataclysmic variables.
