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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina teens under 18 would lose driving privileges if they drop out of school or skip too many classes under a bill approved in the House by a one-vote margin.

The House voted 55-54 on Wednesday on the bill that would suspend licenses until the student reaches 18. It requires another perfunctory vote in the House before heading to the Senate.

Supporters say the legislation will encourage students to think seriously about the consequences they'll face if they don't stay in school.

Students who return to school or enroll in GED classes could get their licenses back. The bill allows a student's parent to appeal for an exception if the teen needs a license to get to work or to drive a sick family member to medical treatments.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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