Kentucky No Pass / No Drive Law

[Chris Fultz]

FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 1, 2007) – The No Pass / No Drive Law (KRS 159.051) is now in effect. The law states that all students ages 16 or 17 can be denied a driver’s license or have a license revoked for academic deficiency. The statute only affects drivers who obtain a permit or license after August 1, 2007.

A student is considered academically deficient when he or she has not passed at least four courses or the equivalent of four courses in the previous semester, has accumulated 9 or more unexcused absences, or has dropped out of school.

When applying for a permit at the circuit clerk’s office, students will be required to present a school compliance verification form issued by their school.

If a student becomes academically deficient, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be notified by the school, and that student’s license will then be revoked. Students may reapply for a license once compliance is met.

This is a significant step for the state of Kentucky to take. What do you all think - will this be a motivator for students to stay in school? How would it affect your school?