Students in West Virginia can face more than detention if they miss too muchschool: Those who drive can have their licenses suspended.

A West Virginia state law states that students who have more than 10 unexcused absences will have their license suspended.

In Brooke County, about 150 students received a letter from the DMV stating that their license had been suspended, according to Superintendent Kathy Kidder.

"Studies do show that students who attend school do better in reading. They do better in math. They are more successful and productive citizens in a community," Kidder said.

The law has been around since 1998, but Kidder said more students are missing more days of school the last couple years after the state changed a regulation.

"We had the rule where if you didn't miss three days, you didn't take the exams. And that was a deterrent for many, you know, they wanted to stay in school because they didn't want to take exams," Kidder said.

Now, students are missing more days, and Kidder said she hopes license suspensions will make students realize the importance of attending school.

"It really does seem to follow a child. If they have poor attendance in school, they follow poor attendance when they enter the work field," Kidder said.

One local mother with a 16-year-old daughter told News 9 she thinks the law is a good idea.

"I think it's a very good idea. Driving is a privilege. If you're going to miss 10 days of school, you don't deserve to be driving," said Michelle Rodgers.

However, a recent graduate of Brooke High School said she doesn't think it will change the habits of students who aren't showing up.

"Most kids rebel against stuff like that, so they don't really care. Like I've learned that going to Brooke High School over the four years I went there," said Devan Miller.

Students who received a letter can get their licenses back after one semester of school if their attendance improves. Students who are seeking a proof of enrollment signature from the school in order to acquire a driving permit will be denied that signature.

Any student who misses more than 10 days of school could face meetings at school with his or her parents, and eventually could face charges in magistrate court.