TITLE: Relating to the requirements for issuance of a driver's license or learner license to a person younger than 18 years of age.

SUMMARY: Relating to the requirements for issuance of a driver's license or learner license to a person younger than 18 years of age.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the requirements for issuance of a driver's license or learner license to a person younger than 18 years of age. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 521.204(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The department may issue a Class Cdriver's license to an applicant under 18 years of age only if the applicant: (1) is 16 years of age or older; (2) has submitted to the department a driver education certificate issued under Section 1001.055, Education Code, that states that the person has completed and passed a driver education course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; and (3) [has obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent or is a student: [(A) enrolled in a public school, home school, or private school who attended school for at least 80 days in the fall or spring semester preceding the date of the driver's license application; or [(B) who has been enrolled for at least 45 days, and is enrolled as of the date of the application, in a program to prepare persons to pass the high school equivalency exam; [(4) has submitted to the department written parental or guardian permission: [(A) for the department to access the applicant's school enrollment records maintained by the Texas Education Agency; and [(B) for a school administrator or law enforcement officer to notify the department in the event that the person has been absent from school for at least 20 consecutive instructional days; and [(5)] has passed the examination required by Section 521.161. SECTION 2. Section 521.222(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The department may issue a learner license, including a Class A or Class Bdriver's learner license, to a person who: (1) is 15 years of age or older but under 18 years of age; (2) has satisfactorily completed and passed the classroom phase of an approved driver education course, which may be a course taught under Section 1001.112, Education Code; and (3) [meets the requirements imposed under Section 521.204(a)(3); and [(4)] has passed each examination required under Section 521.161 other than the driving test. SECTION 3. Section 521.003, Transportation Code, is repealed. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.