Yes but completing license tests, especially if you Gold them give you a LOT more experience points than just races. Not exactly sure on the number but I've seen over 500 xp points for getting gold in one license test and around 300's for silver. Even more xp points for passing the license (all bronze) and other xp and car bonuses for all silver and all gold.
Between special events and licenses you can increase your level up very fast. I've lvl 12 because I've done a few special events and I've golded up to IC license compared to a friend of mine who is 11 and has done way more events than I have.