‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ star had to learn how to drive after being cast

It isn’t uncommon for actors to have to learn new things before they take on roles. Many lie on their resumes, saying they can horse ride, play piano, or speak another language fluently to land a role, only to then have to rush to learn it so they aren’t caught out. In this case, the star of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – a movie with a fair amount of car chases in it – did not have his driver’s license before filming.

Rising star Anthony Ramos is a man of many talents, as you’ll have seen in Lin Manuel Miranda’s phenomenal offerings such as Hamilton on Broadway or the onscreen adaption of In the Heights, the latter of which he played the lead. The man can act, sing, dance, and look beautiful whilst doing all of them, and now he is taking on the role of an action star in the latest Transformers flick. There was one key thing that the actor could not do upon receiving the role, so some driving emergency lessons were a necessity.

Ramos was born and raised in New York, and like with many major metropolises, you don’t really need a car to get around. Due to this fact, he had no license. Now, for a role in Transformers film, driving is fairly essential, so Ramos had to quickly get himself booked in for a test with the DMV and get practicing, as he revealed to The Playlist.

“I had a two-week window to get an appointment at the DMV, and the DMV was initially uncooperative. Finally, after much haggling, I was able to secure an appointment. I took the test in my mother’s car after a few months of practice with an instructor. Fortunately, I was able to pass.” 

Even for Hollywood stars, dealing with the DMV is a dreaded chore. You can catch Ramos in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts in theaters from tomorrow, June 9.