diff --git a/system/database/DB_driver.php b/system/database/DB_driver.php
index aeeb2d0..7551e48 100644
--- a/system/database/DB_driver.php
+++ b/system/database/DB_driver.php
@@ -435,6 +435,18 @@
 	// --------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 	/**
+	 * Persistent database connection
+	 *
+	 * @return	resource
+	 */
+	public function db_pconnect()
+	{
+		return $this->db_connect(TRUE);
+	}
+
+	// --------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+	/**
 	 * Reconnect
 	 *
 	 * Keep / reestablish the db connection if no queries have been