A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to consider tying driving privileges for persons under twenty-one years to progress toward high school graduation.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Nashville Public School system is plagued with low graduation rates and underperforming schools; and

WHEREAS, driving an automobile is one of the most sought after and cherished privileges teenagers receive; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-50-311 allows persons fifteen years of age or older who have passed the standard written test to be issued a learner permit to operate a motor vehicle; and

WHEREAS, persons sixteen years of age or older may be issued an intermediate driver license if they have passed the driver license examination and had a valid learner permit for at least 180 days; and

WHEREAS, state law currently does not require teenage drivers to be enrolled in school, and does not require a certain grade point average in order to obtain a driver license; and

WHEREAS, tying driving privileges to progress toward graduation would provide a meaningful incentive for young people to stay in school; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Tennessee General Assembly consider enacting a program whereby students that are not on track toward high school graduation cannot obtain a learner permit or driver license.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to consider tying driving privileges for persons under twenty-one years to progress toward high school graduation. Such a program could include the following elements:
1. Restrict persons from obtaining a learner permit if his/her grade point average and course credit status do not indicate they are on course to graduate.
2. Once a learner permit or driver license has been issued and the student’s grade point average and/or course credit status do not indicate they are on course to graduate, such license should be suspended temporarily until the student improves his/her grades.
3. An exception should be built into the law for extenuating circumstances to allow students to drive to and from school, work and church.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Eric Crafton