A bill recently proposed by State Rep. Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) would require applicants under the age of 18 to take a drug test to be eligible for learners permits in Illinois. But it should apply to everyone interested in obtaining a permit – not just minors.

Eddy proposed the bill to provide teens with a peer-acceptable reason to steer clear of drugs. However, this principle could be used for everyone.

While drug use by minors might be more prevalent because of peer pressure, drug usage isn’t a problem that only teens face.

Driving anywhere is a privilege, not a right. In order to enjoy that privilege, citizens should have to obey every law, on and off the road. And no one wants drivers under the influence of drugs.

There are no other states that have this requirement for permits. However, the bill has a lot of support in Illinois and could, if ratified, set a precedent that many states eventually could follow.

Though Eddy’s bill states the cost of the drug test would be placed on the driver, the state should look into alternate options so potential drivers aren’t out even more money than they already have to pay to become a licensed driver.

While State Rep. Robert Pritchard (R-Hinckley) opposed the bill because it unfairly singles out teenage drivers, applying it to everyone interested in driving could help resolve Pritchard’s reservations.

If not, the “discrimination” teenagers would face would be no different than restrictions already placed on underage citizens.