It's a well-known rite of passage for teens.

Once they have that coveted driver's license in hand, most look forward to ditching the big yellow bus in favor of driving their own set of wheels - or their parents' - to school.

When North County High senior Christina Wilson signed up for her parking permit just before the start of school, students started lining up at 8 a.m. There are two seniors for each of the school's 180 available parking spaces.

"There was a huge line, like out the door; and whoever you're next to in line is who you're next to in the parking lot," the 17-year-old said. "I got a good spot, though, for...