Those license tests in Gold are _really_ tough! I didn't get Gold in anything, but I made all the license tests with A, B, IA, and R. I'll be working on IB and S soon enough though.
So far, I've started simulation mode and played most of the weekend through it. I started with the Miata with the 18k (since I didn't get a free car from not getting Gold in the license tests). Modded that to heck, sold it and now I have the Camaro SS, Cobra R a newer Miata and a few other cars. One thing in this game you have to do is have many different cars. FF, FR, MR, AWD, mini's, Mercedes, roadsters, American, Imports, Beetles, Audi TT's, etc -- you need to have a variety of cars. I've learned this the hard way, but I'm on the right path now. I need to buy an AWD and a FF car now (for some more races), then I'll be pretty set.
Here's a tip: mod out a car for Turbo to stage2 with the intercooler. Go to the Turbo league for beginners and run the second race. If your car is fast enough, its an easy race and it will net you 5k in cash! I used this one up to the max to be able to buy my Cobra R and a few other cars, but it does take time (nearly 5 mins for the entire race).
Good game, I'm having a blast.
vash