It is funny how the school offers Drivers Ed classes and helps with the permit test, but 

you can’t just go to the DMV without the school excusing it. 

Students may find it difficult to balance their duties in today’s fast-paced society, so it would be a no-brainer that going to the DMV may happen during school hours. 

The DMV is known for its long waiting times and unpredictable delays. This can lead to students missing significant portions of their school day, which can be detrimental to their education.

Students must attend DMV appointments to obtain their driver’s licenses or renew existing ones, especially those who are close to the legal driving age. However, the strictness of school schedules might make this difficult.

These absences should be excused by the state primarily due to the fact that it’s something individuals need. The stress of navigating the DMV system while worrying about missed classes only adds to their stress.

Encouragement of students to get their driver’s licenses without the additional pressure of missing school assures that they are more prepared and more responsible when they hit the road, which would additionally decrease the need for greater road safety. 

DMV appointments should only be excused when absolutely required, such as when getting a driver’s license or taking care of legal obligations.

Malak Sayed, a UACHS senior, shares her attendance experience. 

 “I had to skip school to take my road test and it was annoying because that counted as an absence even though this is something I needed to do,” said Sayed. “I think schools should definitely allow students to miss a school day for the DMV with proper documentation that they were there.” 

 UACHS vice principal, Tina Garcia Newton, feels that although our school cannot legally excuse DMV appointments, there should be a law instated. 

“I think the state should allow it to be excused once because some people fail and have to keep taking their test,” said Garcia-Newton. “At least the first time should be excused, or have the DMV offer later hours during the day so that kids can go after school.” 

Overall, allowing students to attend DMV appointments supports the purpose of educating students to prepare them for adult responsibilities. What looks like one day off is actually one step towards their future.