Sue Scheff: Teens Risk Losing their Drivers License if they Drop Out of School or Skip Classes

South Carolina is making headlines with their new proposed bill to revoke driving licenses of teens that drop out of high school or habitually skip their classes until they are 18 years old. At least 20 other states have passed this law, including Florida.

A Florida report shows that of the 8,400 teens whose licenses were suspended in 2007-08 for dropping out or accumulating 15 unexcused absences over 90 days, 96 percent of them re-enrolled.

“It confirms what we thought all along,” Betty Hyle, a team leader in the Florida Department of Education, said of the report. “Driving a car is a great incentive for teenagers.” Source: TandD.com

Years ago the challenge was choosing what college to attend, today many parents are struggling to get their teenager to finish high school.

According to Ad Council, approximately 7,000 high school students drop out every school day, which translates to one in three students. Once students make the decision to drop out, they lack the tools to compete in today’s society and diminish their chances for greater success in the future. But the decision to drop out of school does not happen overnight; it comes after years of frustration and failure. Often, those that drop out have run out of motivation and have no source of support or encouragement in school or at home.

For more information on Florida Teen Driving consequences related to truancy and dropping out of school, visit Florida High School Driver.

Ad Council Campaign, Boost Up helps motivate teens towards graduation!

Be an educated parent, you will have smarter teens! Watch PSA video here. Read more.