license to drive movie review

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Big-city kids don't have to worry so much, because they can always arrive by bus. But in suburbs and small towns, one of the most excruciating agonies of adolescence is the experience of being dropped off by your parents at a party, especially while your friends are watching. Parents are an embarrassment when you are 15, because they offer documentary proof that you don't have your driver's license.

"License to Drive" remembers feelings like that, and it brings back the whole complex of emotions about being 16 and taking your test (nobody ever had to ask, "Which test?") and getting your license. It begins with daydreams of red Corvettes and then cuts to one of those cautionary driver's ed films in which "as little as a quarter of an inch of water" can cause the dreaded phenomenon of hydroplaning, as a car spins wildly out of control, its hapless occupants trapped inside.

My driver's education teacher in high school was Oscar Adams, who survived thousands of harrowing rides with teenagers who hit the accelerator and not the brake at the approach of a cement truck. He taught us how to back up, do turnabouts, parallel park, stick-shift and perform all the other maneuvers that meant we were ready to be trusted behind the wheel.

To this day, I cringe when friends commit feckless U-turns in the middle of intersections, breezily assuring me that everyone does it.

Nobody taught by Oscar Adams would ever commit such a crime, and thousands now dead in traffic accidents would still be grilling their weenies on the backyard grill if Oscar Adams had taught everyone how to drive.

The first half of "License to Drive," which is mostly concerned with taking the lessons and passing the test and getting the license, is very funny. The second half, which is mostly an extended chase scene in which a hapless teenager's grandfather's Cadillac is wrecked by a drunk, is much more predictable. I would like to state as a general theory the notion that physical humor involving automobiles has more or less been exhausted for our lifetimes.

But "License to Drive" is a more-than-passable summer entertainment, especially when it identifies with the yearnings of its young heroes to get behind the wheel. The film stars Corey Haim , last seen in the wonderful " Lucas ," as a kid whose twin sister passes the test with a perfect score, while he agonizes over multiple-choice questions. (OK, what would YOU do if you encountered a large pool of water? Step on the brakes? Gently accelerate? Hydroplane?) Meanwhile, the most beautiful girl in the school, named Mercedes ( Heather Graham ), asks him out for Saturday night. What to do, since he doesn't have a license? He borrows his grandfather's Caddy, an immaculate '72 boat the length of a tennis court, and crosses his fingers.

The movie's funniest moments are provided by James Avery , as a gruff driving instructor who balances a cup of coffee on the dashboard and tells Haim it had better not spill, and Helen Hanft , as the woman in charge of the license examinations.

The scene where Haim takes his driving examination neatly recaptures the sheer terror of the experience through dozens of little details, minutely observed. There are also some nice moments with Haim's parents ( Richard Masur and Carol Kane ), who try to juggle his passions about driving with the fact that Mom is very pregnant.

Up until about the halfway mark of this movie, I was having a very good time. Then, somehow, it ran out of energy. The extended chase sequences, in which the precious old Cadillac is systematically destroyed, were versions of scenes I've seen countless times before.

The stunts - including a car that races backward and hurdles through the air - are no more funny, or interesting, in "License to Drive" than in any of the other would-be comedies about the mistreatment of automobiles.

Somehow, Hollywood must have it fixed in its mind that a comedy must end with a chase scene. Since chases are so rarely really funny, however, all they do is replace the freshness of invention with the predictability of arranged stunts.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film Credits

License To Drive (1988)

Rated PG-13

Heather Graham as Mercedes

Carol Kane as Les's Mother

Corey Haim as Les

Helen Hanft as Miss Hellberg

James Avery as Dmv Examiner

Corey Feldman as Dean

Richard Masur as Les's Father

Directed by

• Greg Beeman

Produced by

• Jeff Mueller

Screenplay by

• Neil Tolkin

Photographed by

• Bruce Surtees
• Wendy Greene Bricmont
• Jay Ferguson

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License to Drive

Where to Watch

Corey Haim (Les Anderson) Corey Feldman (Dean) Carol Kane (Mrs. Anderson) Richard Masur (Mr. Anderson) Heather Graham (Mercedes Lane) Michael Manasseri (Charles) Harvey Miller (The Professor) Michael A. Nickles (Paolo) Nina Siemaszko (Natalie Anderson) Grant Goodeve (Natalie's DMV Examiner)

Greg Beeman

A teen decides to go for a night on the town with his friends despite flunking his driver's test.

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License to drive reboot to put women in the front seat.

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License to Drive Reviews

This arrant nonsense, obviously aimed at children who aren't yet 16 but who have the fantasies, goes beyond all bounds of intelligence and grace.

Full Review | Jun 17, 2021

There is a good deal of adolescent swaggering and belching, and I would guess 12-year-old males would be the picture's chief admirers.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Jun 17, 2021

License to Drive takes too much license with its nuttiness, playing wacky moments to the point where the comedy sputters.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Jun 17, 2021

"License to Drive" hooks you faster than a car cutting in front of you on the freeway.

For director Beeman, License To Drive marks a promising debut.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Jun 17, 2021

Bee-man [has] a light, affectionate touch with his stars and an even lighter, more affectionate touch with the cars that survive some amusingly narrow escapes.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Jun 17, 2021

It's not lightweight, it's no-weight.

Dated '80s teen comedy has car crashes, drinking, cursing.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jan 24, 2017

Although the premise of getting or not getting a first driver's license is a solid-enough base for 90 minutes of teenage comedy, License To Drive misses the point on all counts.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/4 | Aug 6, 2007

Everything you've ever hated about American teenagers, their music, money, fashion sense, their values, and most of all their pin-ups, in one auto-destructive movie.

Full Review | Feb 9, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 12, 2005

...as a breezy, mindless little comedy, License to Drive undoubtedly fits the bill.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 8, 2005

One of the best teen comedies ever made....an absolute blast!

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | May 6, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Jan 29, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Feb 29, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Feb 4, 2004

Anyone old enough to have a license is probably much too old to be amused by License to Drive.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | May 20, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 0/5 | Feb 10, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Jan 20, 2003

It's got the two Coreys...need I say more?

Full Review | Original Score: 0/5 | Jul 30, 2002

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Where to watch

License to drive.

Directed by Greg Beeman

Some guys get all the brakes!

Teenager Les Anderson thinks his life can't get any worse after he flunks his driver's exam, but he's wrong. Even though he didn't receive his license, Les refuses to break his date with the cool Mercedes Lane, and he decides to lift his family's prize luxury car for the occasion. Unfortunately, Mercedes sneaks some booze along and passes out drunk, and a confused Les makes the bad decision of enlisting his rebellious friend, Dean, to help.

Corey Haim Corey Feldman Carol Kane Richard Masur Heather Graham Michael Manasseri Harvey Miller Michael A. Nickles Nina Siemaszko Grant Goodeve James Avery Grant Heslov Michael Ensign Helen Hanft Jill Jaress Parley Baer R.A. Mihailoff Jon Grissom

Director Director

Greg Beeman

Writer Writer

Neil Tolkin

Casting Casting

Penny Perry

Editors Editors

Wendy Greene Bricmont Stephen Semel

Cinematography Cinematography

Bruce Surtees

Production Design Production Design

Lawrence G. Paull

Set Decoration Set Decoration

Stunts stunts.

Jeffrey J. Dashnaw Henry Kingi Faith Minton Paula Moody Bobby Burns Pat Romano Manny Perry Steve Buckingham

Composer Composer

Jay Ferguson

Costume Design Costume Design

Hilary Wright

Davis Entertainment 20th Century Fox

Releases by Date

06 jul 1988, 08 feb 1989, 13 apr 1989, 30 jun 1989, releases by country.

• Theatrical 12
• Theatrical M/12
• Theatrical PG-13

90 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Matt Singer ★★½ 2

See if I failed my driver’s test, I would simply not get into a series of wacky escapades involving my grandfather’s beloved Cadillac.

Review by Rocca ★★★★

One of the best feelings in the world when it comes to film, is absolutely loving something that you thought would be terrible. Don't get me wrong, this movie is pretty bad, but in all the right ways. The bad direction, the dumb characters, the weird writing. Yet all these negatives together work as a whole that entertained me the whole time. The biggest flaw that License to Drive has going for it, is it's weird and confused tone. It's plot revolves around a typical shitty teenager whose soul purpose at this point in life is to get laid, and the ONLY way to accomplish this is by obtaining a license. You'd think with such a story the director would…

Review by CJ Probst ★★★★ 10

I'm back motherfuckers! Some of my besties knows what this means to me.

Sorry for the absenteeism, Bond review coming shortly.

Crazy damned week to say the least, but no drunk Heather Graham unfortunately and I fuck up my own cars, not my parents.'

Review by emily ★★★★

i dont need the bmw anymore, i already have a mercedes.

Review by Chris One ★★★★

The double Corey magic was operating full blast in this movie.

Review by belial_carboni ★★½ 2

Everyone's favourite Coreys are at it again! Hijinks?....sure thing! Shennanigans?...youuuuu got it. High octane 80s fun and excitement?...BRINGO! fasten your seatbelt it's Corey time! Helloooo caffeine! (Found this unopened and buried in my DVD collection) giddy up!

We follow our cool dude Coreys as they navigate the world of awkward adolescence. And boy are they awkward. Haim with his eyeliner and bird nest hair and Feldman with his frog voice and beautiful flowing mullet. I love these dudes but they ain't got a license to thrive much less drive.

Haim is trying to hook up with a young Heather Graham so he steals his dad's car to take her out. Even after he failed his drivers test! Boy you gonna…

Review by Pube ★★★½

The country is divided. The world is in turmoil. Everyone is unhappy and unsatisfied. Why is this? I'll tell you why. It's because License to Drive is not a prerequisite in every driver's ed course. Not only would this make the roads safer, but it would truly make America great again. God bless America and god bless St. Haim and St. Feldman. They are silent guardians, watchful protectors. They are the Corey knights.

Review by theironcupcake ★★★★ 7

"Buckle up, son. It's the real world out here!"

Women Film Editors #170: Wendy Greene Bricmont

You know those times when a favorite film scene or bit of dialogue pops into your head and it makes your whole day better? I don't remember what it was, but something reminded me of License to Drive, featuring the character actress Helen Hanft in her finest big-screen role ever. My brother and I love to quote her immortal lines: "You mustn't fuck with the Department of Motor Vehicles. We can make your life a living hell!"

It's an unbelievable journey from start to finish, but watching the Two Coreys - Haim as our uber-charming protagonist desperate for wheels of his own, Feldman as…

Review by Stankshadow ★★

The Coreys do dumb shit with a Cadillac and abuse Heather Graham.

The character Charles is fly as hell. He looks and dresses like Peter Bogdanovich. He is so much cooler than Corey Feldman that Feldman just willingly lets him ride shotgun the whole film. I wish they made a spinoff about Charles and his chick magnet wardrobe.

Carol Kane is the shit.

Review by kaila Starr ★★★★ 4

80's love in all it's glory an the two Cory's

Review by 𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒂 ★★★½ 2

A wild adventure from start to finish.  If you’re not entertained by the tense DMV scenes, crazy driving maneuvers, and countless escapades then I dunno what to tell you.  🤷‍♀️

Review by ZaraGwen ★★★

I haven't even taken my driving test yet and I already know I'm a better driver than these morons

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License to drive.

• Parents say (1)
• Kids say (5)

Based on 5 kid reviews

Don’t listen to the bad reviews, this is literally the best movie! If you’re a fan of the two Coreys this is a need too watch!

This title has:

Report this review

Love both of them; really funny film, from a tween’s perspective.

License to Drive (1988)

License to drive.

Les is a teenager attempting to learn how to drive, as well as catch the eye of a popular girl. He is able to secure a date with the girl, Mercedes, and it is assumed he will drive. But, he doesn't have his license yet. When it comes time for his driving test, he fails. He doesn't want to risk the chance at going out with Mercedes, so he decides to go anyway. Not only does he disobey his parents by going in the first place, but he takes his grandfather's prized possession - his Cadillac. Will he get through the night without wrecking the car, and get away with sneaking out, or will his plan collapse?

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License to Drive Reviews

• 36   Metascore
• 1 hr 28 mins
• Comedy, Action & Adventure
• Watchlist Where to Watch

A teen flunks his driver's test but takes his grandfather's classic Cadillac out for a night on the town to impress a popular girl he likes. As the slapstick night progresses, he and his friends struggle to get themselves and the car home in one piece.

Two of 1988's hottest young actors, Haim and Feldman, made up quite a draw in the destructive LICENSE TO DRIVE--in which, strangely, only Haim has what could be considered a starring role. Essentially the entire plot of LICENSE TO DRIVE is contained in a young man's (Haim) suffering the ultimate humiliation of failing his first driving examination. Undaunted, he deceives his parents (Masur and Kane) and takes his grandfather's precious classic car without permission when an opportunity too good to refuse (read that hot date) presents itself. Although the premise of getting or not getting a first driver's license is a solid-enough base for 90 minutes of teenage comedy, LICENSE TO DRIVE misses the point on all counts.

Discovering good movies, one bad movie at a time

License to Drive (1988)

Synopsis: teenager les anderson thinks his life can't get any worse after he flunks his driver's exam, but he's wrong. even though he didn't receive his license, les refuses to break his date with the cool mercedes lane, and he decides to lift his family's prize luxury car for the occasion. unfortunately, mercedes sneaks some booze along and passes out drunk, and a confused les makes the bad decision of enlisting his rebellious friend, dean, to help., connect with us.

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43 Facts About The Movie License To Drive

Written by Tilly Newlin

Modified & Updated: 19 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

License to Drive is a classic 1988 coming-of-age comedy film that has captured the hearts of moviegoers for decades. Directed by Greg Beeman, this film truly embodies the spirit of teenage freedom and rebellion. Starring the iconic duo of Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, License to Drive follows the misadventures of a young man named Les Anderson, who embarks on a wild journey after failing his driver’s license test. Filled with hilarious escapades and poignant moments, the movie explores themes of independence, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams. With its unforgettable characters, quotable lines, and timeless appeal, License to Drive has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. In this article, we will uncover 43 fascinating facts about this beloved movie , giving you a deeper insight into the behind-the-scenes magic that brought it to life.

Key Takeaways:

• “License to Drive” is an iconic 80s teen comedy featuring Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, capturing the spirit of independence and the desire for freedom associated with getting a driver’s license.
• The film’s lighthearted humor, memorable characters, and nostalgic charm make it a beloved classic among fans of 80s cinema , appealing to audiences of all ages.

“License to Drive” was released in 1988.

This beloved coming-of-age comedy was directed by Greg Beeman and written by Neil Tolkin.

The movie starred Corey Haim and Corey Feldman.

The two Coreys, as they were often referred to, were popular teen heartthrobs at the time.

“License to Drive” was a box office success.

Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film performed well at the box office, grossing over $22 million in the United States.

The plot revolves around a teenager’s desire to obtain his driver’s license.

Les Anderson, played by Corey Haim , embarks on a series of misadventures as he tries to impress a girl and attain his eagerly awaited license.

Heather Graham made her film debut in “License to Drive.”

Graham, who went on to become a prominent actress, played the role of Mercedes Lane, Les’ love interest.

The movie was filmed in Los Angeles, California.

The iconic cityscape and streets of LA provide the backdrop for Les’ escapades and driving mishaps.

“License to Drive” features a memorable dream sequence.

In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Les experiences a vivid dream where he explores an empty amusement park.

The film’s soundtrack includes hit songs from the 80s.

Songs such as “Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car” by Billy Ocean and “With or Without You” by U2 are featured in the movie.

“License to Drive” is a quintessential 80s teen comedy.

The film captures the spirit and style of the 80s, with its fashion, music, and iconic teen movie trope.

The movie was originally intended to be a drama.

However, after the success of the comedy “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the decision was made to rewrite the script as a comedy.

“License to Drive” was part of a trend of teen driving movies in the 80s.

Movies like “The Wraith” and “The Cannonball Run” contributed to a popular subgenre of movies centered around cars and teenage protagonists.

Corey Haim’s character, Les, drives a 1972 Cadillac Coupe de Ville.

The flashy vintage car becomes a symbol of Les’ aspiration and freedom.

The movie explores themes of independence and teenage rebellion.

Les’ journey to obtain his license symbolizes his desire for freedom and his yearning to break free from the constraints of adolescence.

The infamous drunk driving scene in the movie caused controversy.

Some critics and organizations argued that the scene depicted drunk driving in a humorous light, which could set a bad example for young viewers.

“License to Drive” has gained a cult following over the years.

The film has become a nostalgic favorite among fans of 80s movies, who appreciate its light-hearted humor and nostalgic charm.

The movie’s tagline is “Some guys get all the brakes!”

This plays on the word “brakes” as both a metaphor for success and a reference to driving.

Corey Haim and Corey Feldman were close friends off-screen.

The two actors had a strong bond and collaborated in several films together, including “The Lost Boys.”

“License to Drive” was Corey Haim’s first leading role.

The film helped solidify his status as a teen heartthrob and led to more prominent roles in the years that followed.

The movie includes a memorable car chase scene.

Les and his friends find themselves in a high-speed pursuit as they try to evade the police and prove their driving skills.

The film had a limited release in some countries.

While it gained popularity in the United States, “License to Drive” had a more limited release in other parts of the world.

The character of Dean, played by Corey Feldman, provides comic relief in the movie.

Dean’s quirky personality and witty remarks add humor to the film’s storyline.

The movie explores the pressure of peer influence.

Les’ friends play a significant role in his decisions throughout the film, highlighting the influence of friends on teenage behavior.

“License to Drive” showcases 80s fashion trends.

The characters’ outfits, hairstyles, and accessories reflect the fashion trends of the 80s, from oversized blazers to neon-colored accessories.

The movie addresses the importance of responsibility behind the wheel.

While the film portrays Les’ reckless actions, it also highlights the consequences of irresponsible driving and the importance of driver responsibility.

The film’s humor appeals to both teens and adults.

The comedic moments in “License to Drive” can be enjoyed by audiences of different ages, making it a family-friendly film.

“License to Drive” was one of Corey Haim’s most successful films.

Corey Haim’s charismatic performance in the movie contributed to its popularity among fans and helped solidify his status in the entertainment industry.

The movie showcases the challenges and anxieties faced by teens during the process of obtaining a driver’s license.

Les’ experiences, from failing the written test to dealing with a fender bender, resonate with viewers who have gone through the same process.

“License to Drive” features memorable supporting characters.

From Les’ strict father to his eccentric driving instructor, the film’s supporting cast adds depth and humor to the story.

The film’s soundtrack became popular among fans.

The songs featured in the movie became hits and are often associated with the film’s nostalgic charm.

“License to Drive” is known for its lighthearted tone.

The film balances comedy and coming-of-age themes, making it an enjoyable watch for audiences seeking an entertaining and feel-good experience.

The movie received a nomination for the Young Artist Award.

Corey Haim was nominated for Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Fantasy for his role in “License to Drive.

The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of the screenwriter.

Neil Tolkin drew from his own teenage years and his quest to obtain a driver’s license when crafting the story of “License to Drive.”

The film’s release coincided with the rise of teen-driven comedies in the 80s.

Films like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “ Fast Times at Ridgemont High ” contributed to the popularity of the genre during that era.

“License to Drive” became a cultural phenomenon.

The film became a cultural reference point for the 80s youth culture, capturing the spirit of independence and the desire for freedom associated with getting a driver’s license.

The movie explores the nuances of teenage romance.

Les’ relationship with Mercedes Lane showcases the awkwardness and excitement of young love .

The film’s casting was crucial to its success.

The chemistry between the actors, particularly Corey Haim and Corey Feldman , added authenticity and charm to the story.

“License to Drive” showcases the bonding experience of friends during adolescence.

Les’ adventures with his friends highlight the special bonds formed during the teenage years and the importance of support from peers.

The movie incorporates elements of slapstick comedy.

From humorous driving blunders to physical comedy, the film entertains audiences with its slapstick moments.

“License to Drive” inspires nostalgia for 80s teen culture.

The film takes viewers back to a time of mixtapes, arcade games, and the freedom associated with hitting the open road .

The movie addresses themes of maturity and personal growth.

As Les navigates the challenges of obtaining his driver’s license, he learns valuable lessons about responsibility and the importance of personal growth.

“License to Drive” continues to be celebrated by fans of 80s cinema.

The film’s enduring popularity speaks to its status as a beloved classic among fans of the era.

The film’s success spawned a spin-off television series.

A TV show titled “License to Drive” aired in 1994, featuring Corey Haim reprising his role as Les Anderson.

“License to Drive” remains a memorable entry in the 80s teen movie genre.

The film encapsulates the spirit and essence of the era, appealing to audiences looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

License to Drive is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its charming blend of comedy and coming-of-age story. With an impressive cast, memorable characters, and a plot that explores the universal experience of obtaining a driver’s license, this film has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema. Whether you’re a fan of 80s nostalgia or simply love a good teenage adventure, License to Drive is definitely worth watching. So buckle up and join in on the fun!

Q: Who directed License to Drive?

A: License to Drive was directed by Greg Beeman.

Q: When was License to Drive released?

A: The film was released on July 6, 1988.

Q: Who are the main actors in License to Drive?

A: The film stars Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, and Heather Graham in the lead roles.

Q: What is the storyline of License to Drive?

A: License to Drive follows the misadventures of a teenage boy named Les Anderson, who fails his driving test but decides to borrow his grandfather’s prized Cadillac for a night out with his crush. Chaos ensues as Les and his best friend navigate the streets without a license.

Q: Is License to Drive a comedy?

A: Yes, License to Drive is primarily a comedy with elements of drama and romance.

Q: Is License to Drive suitable for all ages?

A: License to Drive is generally appropriate for a wide range of audiences, but parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers due to some mild language and teenage shenanigans.

Q: Has License to Drive won any awards?

A: While License to Drive didn’t receive any major awards, it has gained a dedicated fan following over the years.

Q: Is License to Drive available for streaming?

A: License to Drive is available for streaming on various platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime.

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'Drive' Ending Explained: What Happens to Ryan Gosling's Driver?

The 2011 film by Nicolas Winding Refn ends on an open-ended note. Let's break down what it could mean.

The Big Picture

• Drive is a love story that reinvents classic noir and Western archetypes into a slick modern thriller, showcasing Nicholas Winding Refn's take on male sensitivity.
• The Driver's struggle to escape his violent nature and pursue a normal family life is a central theme throughout the film.
• The ending suggests that The Driver expected to be betrayed and had entered the restaurant with the intention of killing Bernie, leaving the audience to interpret his fate.

While the films of Nicholas Winding Refn are often divisive among critics and audiences due to their shocking content, his 2011 film Drive has been widely acknowledged as one of the best films of the past several decades. Drive proved that Refn wasn’t just a “style over substance” filmmaker. There’s certainly something inherently exciting about the film’s electrifying score and the propulsive action sequences, but at its heart, Drive is a love story that reinvents classic noir and Western archetypes into a slick modern thriller. It’s almost strange for a filmmaker as notoriously flashy as Refn to show such male sensitivity with his lead character, but Drive leaves the audience emotionally overwhelmed until its shocking (if somewhat confusing) ending.

Drive follows a nameless drifter ( Ryan Gosling ) who works under the veteran mobster Bernie Rose ( Albert Brooks ). While the Driver attempts to make a break from the profession that he’s contributed so much of his life to, Rose refuses to let him go. It gets more complicated for The Driver when he begins to fall in love with his neighbor Irene ( Carey Mulligan ) and forms an attachment to her young son Benicio ( Kaden Leos ), only to realize that her husband Standard Gabriel ( Oscar Isaac ) is a dangerous ex-con. Pushed to his capacities, The Driver attempts to save his new family and have the happy life that he’s always dreamed of.

Drive was baffling to some audiences who went in expecting something close to The Fast and the Furious , as Gosling’s nearly wordless performance isn’t as inherently expressive as most action movie protagonists. While the complex gangster storyline involving The Driver’s last heist is complex in its own right, analysis has suggested that not everything about the last act of Drive is as literal as it seems . The increasingly surrealist nature of Refn’s work suggests the same thing. Here is everything you need to know about the ending of Drive , explained.

A mysterious Hollywood action film stuntman gets in trouble with gangsters when he tries to help his neighbor's husband rob a pawn shop while serving as his getaway driver.

Who Is Ryan Gosling's Driver Really?

Throughout the film, the audience is given the impression that The Driver is unable to change his inherent nature and redeem himself from the acts of violence that he has committed. Early on, The Driver watches a movie with Benicio, who tells him that he can tell that the shark is the villain. When The Driver asks if the shark could ever be a “good guy,” Benicio says it isn’t possible. This represents The Driver’s dilemma – he’s tempted by a normal family life with Irene, but he keeps getting dragged into the criminal world. The Driver’s facial reactions to violence are often those resembling a timid child, who is scared of what he has become.

Another hint about this theme comes through the story of the frog and the scorpion that is told. A scorpion asks a frog to take him across the river, to which the frog refuses out of fear. Although the frog agrees after the scorpion tells him that they will both drown if he ends up stinging, the scorpion stings the frog anyway because he can’t change his nature. It’s no coincidence that The Driver’s iconic jacket has the image of a scorpion on it . This is essential to understanding The Driver’s conception of himself towards the ending.

How Ryan Gosling Went From Angry Indie Boy to the Funniest Lead in Hollywood

There’s no sequence that shows this change better than the elevator brawl. The Driver savors his last “normal” moment with Irene by kissing her, then showing who he truly is when he kills the thugs. It’s as if he has “stung” Irene by drawing her into his world, and this is accentuated once he discovers the body of his handler Shannon ( Bryan Cranston ). After putting on the rubber mask from the movie set, The Driver dispatches Nino ( Ron Perlman ) on a beach in a very cinematic atmosphere. At this point, it’s as if he feels that he’s ascended to a heightened cinematic reality.

Does Ryan Gosling Die at the End of 'Drive'?

The Driver has received an ultimatum from Bernie, who offers to protect Irene and Benicio if he receives the monetary reward. The Driver complies, but prior to his meeting with Bernie, he calls Irene and informs her that he will not return, but that she will be safe and taken care of. While this doesn’t necessarily suggest that The Driver is accepting death , it does indicate that he won’t see Irene again to not put her in danger. He hopes that she will emerge having a fond memory of his as what the theme song refers to as “a real human being.”

After The Driver meets Bernie and hands him the money, the ruthless Jewish mobster stabs him in the gut. It’s likely that The Driver expected this, as later shots show him scanning the restaurant and mapping out the area ahead of time. Since The Driver already has a knife with him ready to stab and kill Bernie in return, it’s suggested that he expected to be betrayed and had entered the restaurant with the intention of killing him. When he leaves and drives off at the end, The Driver does not take the stash of cash that has been “tainted” with blood .

Some have speculated that The Driver didn’t actually survive and that the final drive away is him ascending to heaven and living out the vision of himself that he imagined. This is possible, but considering the blood is still on his hands there’s no implication that he’s in a dream sequence in the final moments of his life. Even though The Driver is severely wounded, he expected to be attacked by Bernie. Irene knocks on his door and realizes he’s gone for good, but The Driver had wanted to leave her behind to not intrude on her life anymore. Drive is a relatively straightforward film that’s more interesting on multiple viewings to look at its metaphorical implications . Refn plays with the iconography of the Los Angeles crime scene to examine the mythologization of heroes and villains, and the scenes on a film set suggest that Drive is analyzing the nature of crime films. It remains one of the best films of the 21st century , regardless of how you choose to interpret the ending.

Drive is available to rent or buy on Prime Video in the U.S.

WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO

License to Drive (1988)

• Parents Guide

Certification

• Sex & Nudity (3)
• Violence & Gore (3)
• Profanity (4)
• Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking (2)

Sex & Nudity

• Mild 9 of 17 found this mild Severity? None 7 Mild 9 Moderate 1 Severe 0 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
• Characters muse about what type of car female classmates would lose their virginity in. Edit
• A teen and his date are driving along when she decides to lay down on his lap because shes tired, nothing happens, no nudity. Edit
• Later on, when the teen and a few of his friends are driving along (the girl's passed out by now), one guy has a camera and lifts her dress to take a picture of her bra (we don't see anything) Edit

Violence & Gore

• None 6 of 9 found this to have none Severity? None 6 Mild 3 Moderate 0 Severe 0 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
• Very little. A few high-speed car scenes, including where the teen's car is hijacked by a drunk man who proceeds to drive extremely dangerously and as a result inflicts very severe damage to the car. Edit
• A few muscle-bound bikers (as in motorcycles) threaten to beat up the teens and almost do before they escape. Edit
• the aforementioned drunk man vomits in the teens' car while he's driving. No content seen, but we hear it. Edit
• Moderate 7 of 14 found this moderate Severity? None 2 Mild 5 Moderate 7 Severe 0 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
• "Don't f**k with the DMV we'll make your life a living hell" by an adult. Edit
• Very little basically. Edit
• One use of the F word at the DMV by an adult. Edit
• A few uses of damn, shit, and hell but that's pretty much it. Edit

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

• Mild 6 of 9 found this mild Severity? None 0 Mild 6 Moderate 3 Severe 0 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
• The man character goes out on a date with a girl who's really drunk (see above) Edit
• A man is extremely drunk and while driving the teens' car, drinks some more. Edit

Frightening & Intense Scenes

• None 9 of 10 found this to have none Severity? None 9 Mild 0 Moderate 0 Severe 1 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.

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