License to Drive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In a stunning twist, Mercedes drives up in her sleek white Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet, granting Les a chance for another beginning. As he gets into the passenger seat, they drive off into the horizon, ready to face new adventures together.