Wednesday, December 14, 2005

No drivers license if you drop out?

Ontario, the capital province of Canada is taking steps to become the first province to deny the privilege to drive to high school students that drop out before the age of 18.
It seems a little like the ordinary rights of a citizen are being taken away, but a drivers license is a privilidge not a right. If that was to happen in NZ, then there would be a backlash, and a lot of youngsters without a drivers license.

The provincial Liberal government introduced legislation Tuesday that would force young people under 18 to prove they are an active student in order to get their driver's licence. If a student drops out before graduating or turning 18 they could be punished by being refused a licence to drive or having a licence already in their possession suspended. Too bad if you have a job a long way from your house.

Ontario's education minister said the government wants to take the unusual step to impress upon students that staying in school will lead to a better future.
I fully agree that staying in school and getting qualifications is the best thing to do, but if you are legally entitled to leave school at 16 or 17 then to prevent the teen the right to drive unless you stay in school seems a bit like bribary to me.

Part of me thinks it is a good idea, and another part thinks it is going to simply create a quagmire of 16 and 17 year old Ontarian drop outs with anti govt views.

6 comments:

Andrew said...

What's the current age for getting a licence there?

Rob Good said...

That would be 16 Andrew...

Rob Good said...

HAHA.....

Anonymous said...

Rob, where and how did you make that joke Ontario license. Could you give me he website. cuteitalo@hotmail.com
thxs

Anonymous said...

i live in ontario. and i dropped out. i still have it and im 17

Anonymous said...

take off, hoser.