
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 13, 1995                   TAG: 9507130037
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                 LENGTH: Short

ALLEN WOULD LINK LICENSE, TEST SCORE

Denying drivers' licenses to high school students who fail new state standardized tests could be one way to push for better classroom performance, Gov. George Allen says.

``I think it's a good idea,'' Allen told reporters Tuesday after a speech to school and government officials. ``One thing that is a motivating factor for teen-agers ... is getting those wheels.''

Allen said his only concern is whether a pass-to-drive proposal would be legal or practical.

A similar proposal was raised recently by William C. Bosher Jr., state superintendent of public instruction. It likely would require the approval of the General Assembly, which has considered similar proposals.

The state Board of Education recently raised standards in math, science, English and social studies. The state plans to administer statewide assessments of students' performance beginning in 1997.

The idea of being denied a driver's license because of test scores angered 16-year-old Dewayne Harley of Woodbridge.

``I'd be really mad,'' he said. ``Adults don't have to take a test and worry about losing their licenses. Why should teen-agers?''

Virginia and at least a dozen other states deny drivers' licenses to students who drop out of school or skip too many classes. No state has tied academic performance to driving privileges.

by CNB