MINORS WITHDRAWN FROM SECONDARY SCHOOL - DENIAL OF MOTOR VEHICLE
LICENSE OR PERMIT T.C.A.§49-6-3017 (Policy 6112)
To obtain a driver's license or permit to drive in Tennessee, the Department of Safety requires each person between the ages of fifteen (15) and seventeen (17) inclusive to:
Obtain a Certificate of Compulsory Attendance, and
Pass a Driver's Education class or have a learner's permit (for at least three months)
The Certificate of Compulsory Attendance is provided by the high school attendance office to students who meet the legal requirements of compulsory attendance, in addition to currently passing three (3) full unit subjects or the equivalency.To maintain the driver's permit or certificate, the student must continue to meet the legal requirement of compulsory attendance and the academic requirement of currently passing three (3) full unit subjects or the equivalency. (T.C.A.§49-6-3017)
The Department of Safety enforces the state's definition of withdrawal for purposes of maintaining a driver's license or permit to drive as "more than ten (10) consecutive days or fifteen (15) total unexcused absences in one semester." Shelby County Schools' personnel are required to report to the Department of Safety the names of students who miss ten (10) consecutive days, or a total of fifteen (15) unexcused absences, or fail to pass a minimum of three (3) full units or equivalent for the semester. A copy of this form will be sent to parents of students who do not meet the state's "compulsory attendance" criteria.
The first time a student's license is revoked due to deficient attendance or grades, the license may be reinstated at the end of the next grading period by obtaining a reinstatement form from school personnel indicating attendance and academic requirements stated above have been meet. If after reinstatement, the student's license is again revoked due to deficient attendance or grades, the Department of Safety will deny driving privileges until the student reaches the age of eighteen (18).
Please note, the principal has the right to require verification from an official or other source to verify that an absence meets the criteria as an excused absence. Students must bring a note regarding the absence to the Attendance Office when returning to school. Failure to bring the a note by the end of second day of school will result in the absence being considered unexcused.