No Pass/No Drive Law goes into effect

For years, parents have reminded their sons and daughters that driving is a privilege to be treated responsibly. A new law that will be implemented beginning on August 1, 2007 pairs the responsibility of maintaining good grades and attendance in the classroom with the privilege of driving.
The No Pass/No Drive law (KRS 159.051) states that a student can be denied his or her driver’s license or have his or her license revoked for 1) academic deficiency or 2) dropping out of school as a result of unexcused absences. A student shall be considered academically deficient when he or she has not received passing grades in at least four courses, or the equivalent of four courses. Reports of noncompliance based on academic deficiency will be made beginning with grades from the fall 2007 semester. Since most schools are currently using a six course semester, the Kentucky Department of Education is recommending that a student would need to pass more than 66% of his or her classes to be considered compliant.
If a sixteen or seventeen year-old student (with a driver's permit or license) accumulates nine or more unexcused absences, the school will report the student as noncompliant. Any absences due to suspension shall be deemed as unexcused absences. Additionally, if a sixteen or seventeen year-old driver drops out of school, a report of noncompliance will be made.
Beginning August 1, 2007, any sixteen or seventeen year-old applying for a permit driver's license will be required to have a completed school compliance verification form. The form verifies that the student is compliant with the components of the statute. If the student is not compliant, a form will not be issued.
The Transportation Cabinet and the Division of Licensing have been working together with the Kentucky Department of Education to ensure that accurate records of a student’s compliance or non-compliance are reported.
Tom Daugherty, assistant superintendent and director of pupil personnel, sees the No Pass/No Drive law as an important tool for both parents and educators. “The No Pass/No Drive law, in conjunction with the support of the parents, the school district, and the judicial system, will help students to take responsibility for their education and their driving privileges.”