I disagree. Licenses were crucial to get players who do not play racing games into GT. It was also part of career as racing driver.
For experienced players this was a bit annoying buy getting first license was matter of 4 minutes in GT4.
GT5 gone even deeper than just text. GT5 had commentary in native language to each tutorial and thanks to that people could learn how to race.
I hope GT6 will include even better tutorial. Things like driving line, what is apex etc. All those things are crucial to understanding racing and ton of new players would learn a lot.
I'll agree - I think the license tests are very helpful, even to the experienced. While I don't think they should be mandatory, I still think they should be included.
Personally, I like them, and enjoy getting gold and a decent car. It is normally how I start out each GT.