Driver's License Restriction Advances

A Senate committee passed a bill yesterday that would restrict applicants for driver's licenses from taking more than three written or behind-the-wheel tests in three months.

Under the proposal, those who fail three times would be required to complete a class at a driver training school before taking another test.

The committee voted unanimously to send the bill to the Senate floor. It has passed the House of Delegates.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) said he supports the bill, which aims to prevent frequent test-takers from using the Department of Motor Vehicles as a driving school. Tens of thousands of Virginians fail the tests several times. One applicant failed the written test 80 times last year.

"Boy, you don't want to see that guy pass it on the 81st and be out on the road," Kaine said on his monthly radio show on WRVA (1140 AM) in Richmond and the Virginia News Network.

-- Anita Kumar

Planned Parenthood Criticizes Senator

Planned Parenthood of Virginia yesterday criticized a Fairfax County senator who led an effort Wednesday to cut off state funding to the organization, which provides abortions and other services.

The Senate vote was "an unprecedented political attack against Planned Parenthood," the organization said.

Sen. Ken Cuccinelli II (R-Fairfax) sponsored the amendment to the budget. The House of Delegates is expected to go along, leaving Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) to decide whether to restore the money.

Jessica Honke, director of public policy for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, said Cuccinelli "has made an unconstitutional attempt to single out Planned Parenthood for elimination from the state budget."