A+ Driving School
White Bear Lake, Plymouth, Lakeville, Lino Lakes, Moundsview, Roseville, Eagan, Robbinsdale Area Schools, Maple Grove,  Forest Lake, Woodbury, Fridley, Savage, Bloomington, Cottage Grove, Minnehaha Academy, Eden Prairie.

What are kids saying about A+:
A+ Driving School helped make my drivers training experience fun, even while learning. The people who work with you give you excellent tips and help you feel comfortable behind the wheel. I am confident that I am prepared to take my drivers test and begin driving safely on my own.
Kelsey, High School Student


Licensed / Bonded / Insured

A+ Driving School is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety!

Why is A+ NOT your typical driving school? 

BREAKING NEWS: Local driving instructor lands national TV show
Up until several months ago, Pete Hosmer was more driven to grow his business than to seek fame.
However, due to a nationwide search of driving instructors, the White Bear Lake driving school owner will now likely achieve both in one swoop. Hosmer, the owner of A+ Driving School, beat out some 250 candidates nationwide to become the host of truTV’s “Driving Me Mad.” He’s filmed three episodes so far, two in New York and one in Atlanta. “I think they chose me because I am passionate about making people better drivers,” said Hosmer, 34. “They wanted a younger person, with a big/funny/sarcastic personality.  I was voted class clown in high school so I think the persona really fit well.”

Apparently so. A synopsis of the show on the truTV Website describes him as “over-the-top driving instructor Peter Hosmer.”  Under the half-hour show’s premise, viewers nominate a friend or family member who is a bad driver to be targeted for an “intervention” by Hosmer and crew, who show up at the nominated person's home or office to have his or her car towed away. Once they calm down, Hosmer works with him or her to address their specific driving issues, using pre-arranged driving courses and conditions. Those who pass a final driving test win a prize.    

“It is my job to determine the problem areas that the nominated driver has, and then figure out ways to make them a better driver,” Hosmer explained. “We are specifically targeting people who have road rage. We start by getting  some hidden camera footage and then I interview friends and family to find out what they think about their friends bad driving habits.”

In the three episodes taped to date, the subjects have had a variety of different issues, he said.

“It could be speeding, following too close, road rage, or even cell phone and texting issues,” he said. “After a day at the closed course we can start to see a change in their driving habits.”

How it happened

In September 2007, Hosmer received an email asking him to audition as the host of the show.  He made a video audition tape, sent it in, and the producers liked what they saw. 

“The producers told me they were looking for someone with energy and personality.  They didn't want this to be your typical driving school.  Right then I knew I would be perfect for the job, since A+'s tagline is 'We are not your typical driving school!'

In October, 2007 Pete and his wife were on a trip to New York City when the producer called and told him he had the job.  They asked him to stop by the office and meet several staff bigwigs.   

“They were really excited about the show,” he said. “(But) I felt like fish out of water in that room.”

The filming process

In Dec. of 2007 Hosmer spent several days in Atlanta, then several more in New York City in June 2008, filming the three initial episodes. Producers will wait to check ratings before deciding whether the show will be renewed. 

“Luckily, I don't have to relocate for future episodes,” Hosmer said. “They fly me to the filming locations. It was a lot of fun to see different cities and meet new people.”

That’s not to say the experience wasn’t challenging, he said. 

“We would shoot for 10 to 12 hours per day,” he said. “It was a lot of time in the car, and they want all your energy while the camera is rolling.  Since it is reality TV, I had to get things right the first time.  There really isn't a chance for a second take.

“I'm not going to say that hosting a TV show is the hardest job in the world, but I have a new appreciation for the TV shows I watch.”

The most rewarding part, he said, was seeing real changes in the subjects with whom he worked.

“I couldn't believe the things I was seeing when I first saw their hidden camera footage,” he said. “These people really were over the top.  I thought it had to be an act, or something just to get on TV. But when I was sitting in the car with them for hours and hours, even when the camera wasn't rolling, they were still the same out of control people.  “After we were done, however, I could tell that they had really had a breakthrough. They really were thinking twice about yelling at someone or they started to look over their shoulder and use their turn signals.”

He said he fully expects the show to be popular with viewers.

“We all know someone who is a bad driver, so we can all relate,” he said. “There is also a lot of funny material, so you should be able to get a laugh out of it.”

 Future plans

While Hosmer hopes the show is picked up for more episodes, he said he has no plans to discontinue his business.  "My main focus is to continue to build A+ Driving School and put safe drivers onto our roads.”

He said his no-nonsense teaching methods have worked well for both the show and the business.

"Drivers ed doesn't have to be boring," says Hosmer.  "I think the reason we've been so successful is that our students like our classes while learning how to be safe drivers."  

Watch Pete on Twin Cities Live!