Getting a driver's permit in rural areas is no easy feat. Students have to study for the written test, have all the right paperwork, and- most challengingly- find the time.

“In Tioga county, they have one DMV that’s open 1 day a week," said Pennsylvania Representative Clint Owlett (R-68).

“You have a lot of parents that get paid by the hour. They have to leave work, drive to the high school, then drive to the DMV," said Jamie Sucklser, a teacher at Cowanesque High School in Westfield, Pennsylvania. "You’re going to miss probably half a day because our DMV has such limited hours they tend to be overcrowded.”

In rural areas, not having a driver's license severally limits access to jobs and community.

“Unfortunately, we have seniors that graduate- 18 years old to graduate- without the ability to drive," said Sucklser.

Seeing the problem, the teacher came to Rep. Owlett with a solution. 

“Her idea was to allow for students to be able to take their permit test, right in the school district with the teacher as the proctor of the test," said Owlett.

After visiting the school and talking with students, he introduced House Bill 1929 this month.

“We are asking the Department of Transportation to start a 3 year pilot program. And this is an opt in for school districts," said Owlett. "They would have to have someone who is currently giving the driving portion of the test on staff, teaching at the school.”

If the bill passes, students could take the test at school. They would still have to get to the DMV for their photo ID, but overall wait times could be significantly reduced.

"I could go see a doctor and then get my permit really easy and then that would be like a weight off my shoulders for me, my parents, and everyone," said Jayden, a student at Cowanesque High School. "Then I could transport myself and my siblings as my parents can't really do that since they work all the time."

For Owlett, the bill helps give students freedom.

“When you think about the reality of the situation for a kid in the rural community, the driver’s license is a must have. We don’t have public transportation," said Owlett.

The bill does have bipartisan support.

There are other states in the U.S. with similar laws.

“Students are starting to realize now though, especially in rural communities, that I gotta have this," said Owlett. "I have to have this document and this card that allows me to drive. And the doors that opens up for a student is phenomenal.”