You could have had a General class, or above over 21 give you your code exam and proctor your FCC written exam. I did, in 1976. Upgraded to General at the Detroit field office by Mr. Cotton W8DX. He scared the crap out of me. He administered my first phone, and microwave endorsement several years later. I was calm that time. My buddies from the JVS high school communications electronics program smoked bong hits in the hotel room that morning, wake & bake!