Driving School Loses License, But Still Teaching

A+ Auto Driving School

Mike Perleberg-Eagle 99.3

(Aurora, Ind.) - A local driving school and its owner are under fire from former employees and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, problems that could put some drivers-in-training at risk of not getting their license.

Gary Baxter owns A+ Auto Driving School. The Indiana BMV says his license to operate a driving school expired June 30. The BMV confirmed the license status to him by e-mail July 2, but he’s continued teaching classes beyond that date.

The BMV says Baxter was recently sent a cease and desist letter.

“Should the request be ignored, BMV officials will report the conduct to the Better Business Bureau and pursue legal action through the Attorney General’s Office,” Indiana BMV spokesperson Julie Fletcher told Eagle 99.3.

This is not the first issue Baxter has had with the BMV. WTHR-TV in Indianapolis said Baxter was cited for several violations in 2011, including selling learner permits to immigrants without classroom instruction on BMV property. Students who were training at three of Baxter’s driving schools in Indianapolis were left hanging when the schools abruptly closed in February.

The Aurora driving school’s failure to be licensed by the state may cost some driving students not only the monetary cost, but the time they put into getting their license.

“Gary Baxter continues to accept money from unknowing parents, conduct class and drive students even though his license has expired. He has made no attempt to renew his or the license of A+ Auto Driving School in Aurora,” said Paul Dicken, a former employee, by e-mail.

Some teenagers and others who have taken training courses at A+ Auto Driving School will still have their driver education certificates given prior to July 8, 2012 recognized by the BMV. The BMV will require those students to validate their skills by taking a drive test through the bureau.

However, those who are still taking their classes through the school will not be recognized, the BMV says. Fletcher suggested drivers-in-training check the BMV’s website for a list of properly licensed driving schools.

There are more dark clouds over A+ Auto Driving School as at least one of the former driving instructors working for Baxter has taken him to court. Jerri Wuest said she filed a lawsuit in Dearborn County last week seeking wages she was not paid.

Multiple attempts to reach Baxter for his perspective were unsuccessful.