License to Drive, released in theaters on July 6, 1988, is a quintessential 80s teen comedy that perfectly captures the anxieties and absurdities of getting your driver’s license. This film is a lighthearted and genuinely funny romp, filled with memorable characters and chaotic situations that resonate with anyone who’s ever yearned for the freedom of the open road.
The story follows Les Anderson (Corey Haim), a high school senior whose entire world revolves around getting his driver’s license so he can impress his dream girl, Mercedes Lane. After failing his driving test multiple times, and despite his parents’ strict rules, Les “borrows” his grandfather’s prized Cadillac for a date with Mercedes, leading to a night of escalating disaster, car damage, and hilarious encounters with his best friend.
Haim delivers a charming and relatable performance as Les. He perfectly embodies the eager, slightly awkward teenager desperate for independence and romance. Haim’s comedic timing and his ability to convey both earnestness and panic make Les a sympathetic and endearing protagonist.
Corey Feldman, as Dean, Les’s mischievous and often reckless best friend, provides much of the film’s chaotic energy and some of its biggest laughs. The chemistry between Haim and Feldman, a popular duo of the era, is undeniable, making their on-screen friendship feel authentic and incredibly entertaining.
Heather Graham shines as Mercedes Lane, Les’s beautiful and seemingly out-of-reach crush. Graham brings a sweet and alluring quality to the role, making her the perfect object of Les’s teenage effection.
Corey Haim and Heather Graham in License to Drive (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Carol Kane is wonderfully over-the-top as Les’s mother, Mrs. Anderson, while Richard Masur plays his exasperated father, Mr. Anderson. Their reactions to Les’s escalating mishaps are priceless.
Nina Siemaszko as Les’s twin sister, Natalie, also contributes to the family dynamic and the film’s humor.
Reception for License to Drive
License to Drive grossed $3.9 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 8 at the box office. The top film of the weekend was Coming to America starring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, which pulled in $13.3 million on its second weekend.
The film would gross $22.4 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
License to Drive is a nostalgic trip back to the 80s, filled with classic rock tunes, big hair, and a carefree spirit. It’s a film that understands the universal desire for freedom and the lengths teenagers will go to achieve it. With its engaging performances, laugh-out-loud moments, and a feel-good vibe, it remains a beloved classic of the teen comedy genre.
