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License to Drive 1988

In this hilarious comedy, teenager Les Anderson learns that life can still get worse than just flunking his driver's test. Refusing to let his lack of license ruin a date with cool Mercedes Lane, Les makes the questionable decision to borrow his family's prized luxury car, only to find himself in over his head when Mercedes passes out drunk and his rebellious friend Dean gets involved.

In this hilarious comedy, teenager Les Anderson learns that life can still get worse than just flunking his driver's test. Refusing to let his lack of license ruin a date with cool Mercedes Lane, Les makes the questionable decision to borrow his family's prized luxury car, only to find himself in over his head when Mercedes passes out drunk and his rebellious friend Dean gets involved.

Does License to Drive have end credit scenes?

No!

License to Drive does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of License to Drive

Explore the complete cast of License to Drive, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for License to Drive

See how License to Drive is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where License to Drive stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

36

Metascore

6.8

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

24%

TOMATOMETER

review

62%

User Score

Take the Ultimate License to Drive Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of License to Drive with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


License to Drive Quiz: Test your knowledge about the 1988 classic 'License to Drive' and its memorable characters and events.

Who is the main character trying to obtain a driver's license?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for License to Drive

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Read the complete plot summary of License to Drive, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


As the sun-drenched streets of Southern California called out, 17-year-old Les Anderson embarked on a quest for autonomy by aiming to secure his driver’s license. However, his motivation extended beyond merely passing the exam; he was determined to win the affection of the gorgeous Mercedes Lane. Despite his earnest efforts, Les flunked the knowledge section of the test, but fate intervened when an unforeseen computer glitch muddled the results.

At first glance, it seemed like Les’s aspirations for a driver’s license were dashed. Yet, a surprising turn of events allowed him to unexpectedly pass the road test, only for the truth about his actual scores to come to light, invalidating his freshly acquired permit. In light of this dilemma, Les hatched a plan to shield his blunder from his parents.

Les’s ruse was quickly uncovered when his mother discovered the truth, leading his father to impose a grounding penalty of two weeks. Feeling constrained and anxious, Les decided to take his grandfather’s treasured 1972 Cadillac Sedan de Ville for a spin with Mercedes. In a moment of youthful recklessness, they opted to sneak away for a joyride.

Their night took an unpredictable turn when Mercedes became inebriated, resulting in them accidentally damaging the car’s hood by dancing atop it. In a fit of panic, Les sought assistance from his best friend Dean, who agreed to help repair the dent. This decision sparked a series of chaotic events as they persuaded Charles to join in for a misguided evening out.

Unbeknownst to them, they stuffed Mercedes into the trunk, completely oblivious to the fact that Les still lacked a valid driver’s license. As the night unfolded, their escapades led to even more damage to the Cadillac. Meanwhile, at home, Mrs. Anderson woke her husband Robert with the news that she was in labor.

The following day, Les dropped off his friends and returned home to find Mercedes recovering from their wild night. They shared a romantic kiss before parting ways. To Les’s dismay, upon returning home, he faced his father’s ire over the damaged Cadillac.

While Mrs. Anderson gave birth to twins, the family encountered an unexpected hurdle as they tried to explain the car’s condition to Les’s grandfather. This revelation only provoked laughter and a delightful twist: Grandpa himself had damaged his own son’s BMW in an accident, which gave him the right to tease Les about taking care of Robert’s new gift – a BMW of his own.

As Les’s initial appreciation for his grandfather began to fade, a sudden moment of clarity led him to refuse the gift outright. In an unexpected twist, Mercedes appeared in her sleek white Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet, its top down. With a smoothness that was striking, she pulled up beside Les. As he opened the door and settled into the passenger seat, the rhythmic rumble of the engine echoed their shared anticipation. With newfound resolve, Les left his doubts and insecurities behind, disappearing into the horizon beside Mercedes, embarking on a journey full of unknown yet thrilling possibilities.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for License to Drive

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from License to Drive. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


License to Drive (1988) Original Theatrical Trailer

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


los angeles californiadriving testteenage boyteenage girlteen moviecomputerpregnancydrunkennessunconsciousnessthree word titlechild protagonistteenage protagonistmother son relationshipbribedream sequencefather son relationshipblondecrushhusband wife relationshippregnant wifeclassroomcup of coffeecoffeetow truckconvertiblebrother sister relationshipbest friendschool bushigh schoolhouse partyred ferrarivalet parkingbardream girlboyfriend girlfriend relationshipclassic cardinner tablefamily dinnerfamily homesneaking outdategroundedtelephone callcassette tapecar stereohonking a car hornjumping through a windowbicycletwo on a bicycletraffic light

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