License to Drive 1988

Les's Quest for Independence

Seventeen-year-old Les Anderson dreams of getting his driver's license, symbolizing his desire for autonomy. He hopes that this newfound freedom will win him the affection of the beautiful Mercedes Lane, igniting his quest for independence.

Failing the Knowledge Test

Despite his determination, Les fails the knowledge section of the driving test, crushing his dreams momentarily. This disappointment is compounded by the realization that he might not achieve his goal of impressing Mercedes.

Unexpectedly Passing the Road Test

In a twist of fate, a computer glitch allows Les to pass the road test, giving him false hope and excitement. However, this small victory is short-lived as the truth about his scores soon surfaces, leading to further complications.

Covering Up the Truth

Faced with the invalidation of his permit, Les concocts a plan to hide his blunder from his parents. In his attempt to maintain the illusion of having a valid license, his anxiety grows as he navigates around the deceptive meshes.

Grounded for Deception

Despite his best efforts to keep his mistake under wraps, Les's deception is uncovered when his mother learns the truth. Consequently, his father imposes a strict two-week grounding, limiting Les's freedom even further.

The Joyride with Mercedes

In an act of youthful rebellion, Les takes his grandfather's prized 1972 Cadillac Sedan de Ville for a joyride with Mercedes. The reckless adventure becomes their escape, momentarily lifting the weight of Les’s troubles.

Dancing on the Cadillac

The night spirals into chaos when Mercedes gets drunk, and they start dancing on the hood of the Cadillac. This reckless act results in damage to the vehicle, triggering panic as Les realizes the consequences of their fun.

Repairing the Damage

In a state of panic over the dented Cadillac, Les turns to his best friend Dean for help. Their attempts to repair the damage lead them to drag Charles into their escapade, raising the stakes and escalating the chaos.

The Misguided Adventure

Unwittingly, they decide to stuff Mercedes into the trunk as part of their misguided fun. This reckless decision shows just how far Les is willing to go to keep the charade alive, despite lacking a valid driver’s license.

Family Drama Unfolds

While Les grapples with his antics, at home, Mrs. Anderson unexpectedly goes into labor. This event adds another layer of crisis, intertwining the joy of new life with the chaos Les has created with the Cadillac.

A Kiss Goodbye

The next day, after a whirlwind of events, Les drops off his friends and finds Mercedes recovering from their wild night. They share a romantic kiss, marking a fleeting moment of connection before they part ways.

Confrontation with His Father

Upon returning home, Les faces his father's wrath concerning the damaged Cadillac. This confrontation serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of his reckless actions, further complicating his relationship with his parents.

Unexpected Family Revelations

As Mrs. Anderson gives birth to twins, the family tries to explain the Cadillac's damage to Les's grandfather. This moment reveals unexpected humor as Grandpa shares his own mishap with a BMW, lightening the mood amidst the chaos.

Refusing the Gift

Faced with the offer of a BMW from his grandfather, Les experiences a moment of clarity and decides to refuse the gift. This decision signifies his struggle for independence and reluctance to depend on others for validation.