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I consider these requirements unconstitutional because they are an invasion of privacy (grades and registration are private matters), biased against age (since someone over 18-years old does not need to prove their GPA from their high school years) and a violation of equal protection under the law.  I do not see how the state could prove that these requirements serve an important state interest that is at all related to the ability of a child to drive safely, and thus cannot pass the strict scrutiny required to violate our right to privacy and equal protection under the constitution. 

I was told by a DMV employee over the phone that driving is a privilege, not a right, and that kids had to earn it.  There is no such requirement for those over 18 and they do have a right as long as they can pass the test and pay the money.  Even insurance companies do not look at the GPA of someone in high school, though some do look at the college GPA if a "child" is in college - but only so far as to decide how much to charge for the premium.

Furthermore, it seems to be a violation of free speech since some people do not believe in tests and grades, including us.  Therefore, if a child pursues his right to not take tests, or not take them seriously if he is required to take them, he/she is excluded from driving.  And, those who cannot or will not prove their grades or their homeschooling or virtual school participation due to privacy concerns are also excluded.  And, those who are philosophically or religiously opposed to registration, grades, and/or testing are also prevented from obtaining a driver's license.  Our "school" goes by the philosophy of Sudbury schools where life is the lesson and no one can grade us on it.  So, no grades are possible.

Furthermore, according to Arkansas law, a child of 14-16 is not allowed to drive without a licensed adult, no matter how skilled or whether they have taken special courses or had 2000 hours of experience.  They are not treated equally to those who are over 18 or even those who may come here from another country, can't read the language (they can have the test translated or read to them), can't understand the signs, and are not citizens - only because of age.  And, those under 18 are restricted by who they can have in their car.  Someone under 16 cannot have any unrelated people in the car.  Someone under 18 can have no more than one other unrelated person. 

These laws severely harm families who need their children to drive themselves.  It may prevent the children from getting a job, going to educational events or lessons, and otherwise pursuing their life, liberty and freedom.  It may even prevent their parents from obtaining gainful employment just because they must get their children to these events.

I believe everyone should be a responsible driver and that licenses should only be retained by those who have the physical and mental ability to safely drive.  However, these age-discriminating laws in no way ensure that.  Can anyone direct me in how to approach this to begin to make changes?