ATLANTA – Keeping students in their desks, in their classrooms and in their schools is what prompted Sen. Preston Smith (R-Rome) to introduce legislation that strengthens the truancy laws of the state.  Students no longer will be allowed to obtain or retain a driver’s license/permit or hold a job unless they currently are enrolled in school and have an attendance record in good standing, or have received their diploma or GED.

Minor-age students will not be permitted to secure their driver’s license if they fail to meet school attendance requirements for one academic year prior to application for the license or permit, and they must have an employment certificate signed by a school administrator with a letter stating that the minor is enrolled in school full-time and has an attendance record in good standing for the current academic year.

“Driving is a privilege,” Sen. Smith said after the bill passed both Houses of the Legislature.  “It is not a right, and it is something that should be given to those who are doing what is expected of them.  Turning 16 and knowing that a driver’s license is just around the corner is important to nearly every teenager in this state.  It is my hope, and the hope of my colleagues in the Georgia General Assembly that students will abide by the law and stay in school to get a good education.  All too often, students want to get that driver’s license so they can hold a job, and then school becomes unimportant to them.

“By staying in school we will reward students with a most-coveted driver’s license – if they pass the test – and everyone comes out on top.  Then we will have an educated adult who can drive and hold down a job.  It’s a win-win situation for the students, the teachers and potential employers.”

Sen. Smith’s language was added to Gov. Sonny Perdue’s sweeping education legislation that also addresses school discipline and accountability and flexibility.  The measure further stipulates that students with ten or more unexcused absences in any semester will not be allowed to hold a driver’s license or a permit for one year or until the student’s 18^th birthday.  In addition, students who have been suspended from school for criminal sexual offenses, or for causing substantial or visible bodily harm to others will have their licenses suspended and will not be able to regain their license for a year or until they turn 18 years of age.

The Department of Motor Vehicles may grant an exemption from these provisions if there is “clear and convincing” evidence that the enforcement of the provisions upon the student would create an undue hardship on the student or his family or if the enforcement of the provisions would act as a detriment to the health and welfare of the student.