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Perry: No School, No Driver’s Licenses
Gov. Rick Perry proposed Wednesday that high-school age Texans must prove they’re hitting the books in order to get their driver’s licenses.
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(File photo)
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22 Comments 
HOUSTON (January 27, 2010)--At a news conference Wednesday in Houston, Gov. Rick Perry said students should have to prove that they're enrolled in school and working toward a diploma or GED if they want to get and keep their driver’s licenses.
“I believe that in order for high school-aged individuals to get and keep a driver's license they should be enrolled in school, be it bricks and mortar or our virtual high school, and, most importantly, working toward their diploma or GED,” Perry said.
“This approach will not only give local school districts another tool in their efforts to reduce dropouts. It will also give students an incentive to do the work that will prepare them to compete in the workforce. ”
Perry said he will ask the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Department of Public Safety to determine what would be necessary to implement such a program.
If legislation is needed, Perry says he will work with lawmakers to get it passed.
Perry announced his plan during a campaign stop.
He is vying for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in the March 2 primary against U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Republican activist Debra Medina.
Hutchison's campaign dismissed the plan as "typical election-year lip service."
Latest Comments
I said 20 miles not 2 miles. If you think you can carry as much supplies on a bic next to a pu or car and it is just as easy, etc., than you are an idiot!
The NVC didn't have any problems carrying supplies over miles of dirt and washed out muddy roads on bicycles so I don't see why a 16yo can't put a jacket on and ride 2 miles to school.
My 16 year old had to show proof of enrollment in school in order to get his driver's license. That is because the age to get a drivers license in Texas without qualifiers is 18. You can get it at 16 only if you are enrolled in school and take a driver education course. This law is already in effect! There is no practical way that I can think of to make sure kids don't drop out after getting their license, except that the license is only good for 1 year. With renewal comes another proof of enrollment requirement. That is reasonable.
