OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Teenagers who drop out of school to work would lose their driver's license under a bill narrowly approved by the Oklahoma Senate.

The Senate voted 26-18 on Monday for the measure by Sen. John Ford, R-Bartlesville, who said his goal is to reduce Oklahoma's dropout rate. A bill requires 25 votes for passage in the Senate.

Under current law, teenagers who drop out of school are able to get a driver's license if they work at least 24 hours a week. Ford's bill would remove that exemption. He says the bill is a request from the United Suburban Schools Association.

Several members objected to the proposal, saying it would hinder those who drop out of school because of a personal hardship and are attempting to support their families.