License to Drive Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A teen fails his driver’s test but borrows his grandpa’s car anyway, resulting in a series of increasingly improbable mishaps that somehow end with him getting the girl and driving his mom to the hospital in reverse.

🍿 License to Drive: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Failing the Test

Les Anderson, a high school student, is eager to get his driver’s license to impress Mercedes Lane, the girl of his dreams. He and his twin sister Natalie take the written test, but Les, who didn’t study, fails miserably. Ashamed, he keeps his failure a secret from his parents and friends.

The Borrowed Cadillac

Despite not having a license, Les lies to Mercedes and arranges a date. He sneaks out and borrows his grandfather’s prized 1972 Cadillac Sedan de Ville. His best friend Dean encourages his reckless behavior, setting the stage for a disastrous night.

A Night of Misadventures

The date quickly spirals out of control. Mercedes gets drunk, Les damages the Cadillac, and they encounter a series of increasingly absurd situations, including a run-in with a drunken driver and a police checkpoint. Les desperately tries to keep the car intact and his secret safe, but the night only gets wilder.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Les Anderson (Corey Haim): A sixteen-year-old boy who fails his driving test but still takes his grandfather’s Cadillac out for a date with the girl of his dreams.
• Dean (Corey Feldman): Les’s best friend who encourages him to take the car and get into various misadventures.
• Mercedes Lane (Heather Graham): The popular girl Les is trying to impress, leading to a chaotic night out.
• Mr. Anderson (Richard Masur): Les’s father, who is initially strict but later allows Les to drive in an emergency.
• Mrs. Anderson (Carol Kane): Les’s pregnant mother, whose unexpected labor forces Les to drive her to the hospital.
• Natalie Anderson (Nina Siemaszko): Les’s smart and responsible twin sister who passes her driving test easily.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dean: “You mustn’t fuck with the Department of Motor Vehicles.” – Dean advises Les about the seriousness of his situation after lying about passing the test.
• Natalie: “Last name first, first name last.” – Natalie sarcastically mimics their father’s DMV instructions to Les.
• Les: “I already have a Mercedes.” – Les’s triumphant final line, indicating he’s got the girl and the freedom he craved.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,433,275
• Worldwide Gross: $22,433,275

💥 License to Drive Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘License to Drive’ as a kid and thinking it was the ultimate teen movie! The Coreys were at their peak, and the idea of sneaking out and driving around with your crush was so exciting. Heather Graham was gorgeous, and the whole night felt like a wild adventure. Of course, now I realize how ridiculous the plot is, but it still brings back a wave of nostalgia. The scene where they’re dancing on the hood of the car is iconic, and the final reverse-driving sequence is just pure comedic gold. It’s a fun, silly movie that perfectly captures the spirit of the 80s.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s teen comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy Corey Haim and Corey Feldman movies”
  • “Those looking for lighthearted, nostalgic entertainment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Teenage drinking”
  • “Reckless driving”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some gross-out humor”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While the two Coreys provide some nostalgic charm, ‘License to Drive’ stalls with a predictable plot and slapstick humor that doesn’t quite reach top gear.
• AllMovie: “A lightweight teen comedy that coasts on the charisma of its leads. The plot is thin, but the 80s soundtrack and Corey Haim’s likeable performance keep it from being a total write-off.
• TV Guide: “Amiable fluff showcasing the two Coreys. It’s predictable and relies heavily on slapstick, but the cast is charming enough to make it a decent time-waster.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Corey Haim and Corey Feldman is undeniable and makes the movie enjoyable.: Most viewers appreciate the nostalgic 80s vibe and the lighthearted humor.

Heather Graham’s performance as Mercedes Lane is considered a standout.: Fans loved the soundtrack and the overall feel-good nature of the film.

Overall Consensus: A nostalgic 80s teen comedy that is light on plot but heavy on charm, largely due to the chemistry of the two Coreys and a memorable soundtrack.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Neither Corey Feldman nor Corey Haim had a driver’s license when filming started.”
• “The movie features a young Heather Graham in one of her first substantial film roles.”
• “The film’s soundtrack includes notable 80s artists like Billy Ocean, Belinda Carlisle, and The Breakfast Club.”

🖥️ How to Watch License to Drive?

As a classic 80s comedy, ‘License to Drive’ is often available for rent or purchase on major digital platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu to see current streaming options. Subscription services may occasionally carry the film as well, so keep an eye on Hulu and Paramount+.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed License to Drive, you might like these similar films:

• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): Both are classic 80s teen comedies centered around a teenager’s adventurous day of rule-breaking and trying to get away with it.
• Adventures in Babysitting (1987): Features a wild, unpredictable night in a city where teenagers encounter a series of increasingly absurd situations.
• Superbad (2007): A modern teen comedy about two friends going to extreme lengths for a party, capturing the awkwardness and humor of adolescence.

🛒 License to Drive Related Products

• License to Drive Movie Poster: A vibrant and nostalgic poster capturing the essence of this 80s teen classic. Perfect for adding a touch of retro cool to any room.
• Corey Haim & Corey Feldman: The Two Coreys DVD Collection: Relive the magic of the two Coreys with this DVD set featuring ‘License to Drive’ and other iconic films. A perfect way to revisit the 80s.
• 1972 Cadillac Sedan de Ville Model Car: A meticulously crafted diecast model of the iconic Cadillac from the movie. A great display piece for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
• 80s Retro Party Costume: Dress up as Dean or Les from the movie and relive your favorite 80s moments. The package includes 80s-style shirt, bandana, and sunglasses

🎧 Soundtrack

License to Drive features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Drive My Car” – performed by The Breakfast Club
• “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” – performed by Billy Ocean
• “Heaven Is A Place on Earth” – performed by Belinda Carlisle

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

License To Drive 1988 – Behind The Scenes (Corey Haim, Corey Feldman)

Ever wondered what it was like on the set of ‘License To Drive’ back in ’88? This behind-the-scenes footage with Corey Haim and Corey Feldman is a total blast from the past and gives you a real feel for the movie-making magic!

The Grave of Corey Haim (The Lost Boys, License To Drive) 4K

This is a bit of a somber one, but super interesting. Check out this video visiting Corey Haim’s grave. It really puts his role in ‘License To Drive’ (and all his other iconic movies) into perspective.

✨ Rate