When I took my first test in January of 1996 I had a few choices. I kind of wanted to get every license in sequence, but I couldn't. There were two entry level licenses: Novice = 1 Theory + 5WPM = Limited HF and 1.25M & 23CM priviledges with very limited power; Technician = 2 Theory = All 50MHz and up priviledges. The only way I could hold every license Amateur radio offered was to get an entry level license, wait 10 years and let it expire, then get the other entry level license and progress from there. I didn't bother with that and got my Tech Plus license to start. That way I could use HF, VHF, UHF & up and even a little phone on 10M.
AF4TL