HOUSTON - Texas high school-aged students must hit the books if they want to legally hit the road, according to a new proposal by Gov. Rick Perry.

At a news conference in Houston on Wednesday, Perry said
students should have to prove they are enrolled in school and
working toward a diploma or GED if they want to get and keep a
driver's license.

Perry said he'll ask the Texas Education Agency and the Texas
Department of Public Safety to determine what's needed to implement such a program. If legislation is needed, Perry said he'll work with lawmakers to get it passed.

Perry announced his plan during a campaign stop. He is vying for
the GOP gubernatorial nomination in the March 2 primary against
U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Republican activist Debra
Medina.

Hutchison's campaign dismissed the plan as "typical election-year lip service."

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