Measure would require diploma or GED to get license until age of 21

By: Tiffany Holland | GoDanRiver.com
Published: January 13, 2012

After promising to do so, Delegate Danny Marshall, R-Danville, introduced a bill this week that prevents anyone under 21 years of age from getting a license unless they have a high school degree.

This bill asks for everyone to show proof of a high school diploma or GED before getting their driver’s license. This excludes learner’s permits and provisional driver’s licenses.

Virginia drivers are given provisional licenses until they are 18 years old, but this bill would prohibit the person from getting a driver’s license past that age until they have the required education.

But this bill is not aimed to keep people off the road. Marshall said the goal is really “all about” economic development.

“It is a small move to get people to realize they need to stay in school,” said Marshall.

The idea came from a constituent. Marshall said their concern was with youth dropping out of school and not getting their GED. In 2011, the Southside region had a dropout rate of 8.2 percent, which is higher than the 7.2 percent state average.

Marshall cited that the employment rate for people with a bachelor’s degree and high school degree is much higher than people who have not graduated from high school.

He hopes, if the bill passes, it will motivate people to stay in school. The more education residents have, the easier it will be to attract businesses to the area.

The bill has been sent to the transportation committee where it will be reviewed.