Become an Instructor
Interested in becoming an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)? If you’re looking for a flexible rewarding career with great job satisfaction, then working as a Driving Instructor might be right for you.

ADI Train the Trainer RSA Approval
Advance Drive is the only training provider in the west of Ireland Approved to deliver ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) training.
To become an ADI you must be:
- Person of good character (RSA Garda vetting process)
- Be tax compliant (valid tax clearance certificate)
- Hold a full driving licence for the category in which you wish to give instruction for at least two years
You will need to pass three RSA ADI exams:
- Stage 1 – ADI Driver theory test
- Stage 2 – Advanced practical driving test
- Stage 3 – Instructional ability test
RSA ADI exam fees:
- Stage 1 – €150
- Stage 2 – €200
- Stage 3 – €200
- Registration (initial and every two years) – €250
After passing all three exams you will be a qualified ADI, you will also receive a FETAC Level 6 award for driving instruction.
If you have any questions on the process or feel you have what it takes to be a great instructor email philip@advancedrive.com for information on courses.
Testimonials
Passed my truck test first time after 6 lessons with Phil. Brillant tutor and very friendly. Two hour lesson really make a difference, would highly recommend them. Cheers Phil!!
April 28, 2014Ger Dolan
I would highly recommend advance drive. Passed my truck test with them in Oct 2013.I felt very well prepared for the test and feedback on my errors and driving very positive during the lessons. Well done on your recent award Philip. Results speak for themselves.
April 28, 2014Kevin Forde
Thanks to Advance passed my C1 first time. They where very good would recommend them. will def be back for D1. Thanks Philip.
April 28, 2014Eoin Molloy
Passed my D1 (minibus) driving test today after five hours of tuition with Dessie - a great teacher with a relaxed, professional approach which works well. I would recommend Advance Drive to anyone looking to pass a driving test first time - they know their stuff, they have all sorts of vehicles available and they run a professional operation.
April 30, 2014Rory
I found Advance Drive to be excellent. I passed my BE test first time after four lessons from Dezzie. Great instructor and highly recommended!
April 30, 2014Tommy Faherty
Michael and Philip are a super team. You get experience mixed with youth and all angles covered. They were always on time for lessons and know the routes involved in the test in great detail. I passed my bus test thanks to their support and encouragement. Strongly recommend them.
April 28, 2014Kieran Skerritt
Passed my test, friendly & well worth the money.
April 30, 2014Pat
Highly recommended.
April 28, 2014Marc Coyle
I don't see any negative testimonials on the web page which confirms my view of this company. Knowledgeable, capable, friendly and patient to name a few of all the positive teaching attributes my instructor had. The company was recommended to me and I will have no hesitation in recommending them. Passed EB licence test in Galway.
April 30, 2014Paul Connery
I would highly recommend advanced drive to anybody that wants lessons that will get you through the test first time! they are very helpful and highly trained. I would like to say a big thanks to Dezzie Barry who taught me the necessary skills to pass my test first time.
April 30, 2014Ruadhán O Carroll
Just perfect, they look after you very well!! Lessons in galway with Phillip and C1 truck test with Owen in Sligo!! Excelent preperation and vey very good instructions. Lots of patience and passion. Thanks Lads.
April 30, 2014Ralph Wieschalla
Passed my full trailer licence E+B first time. Phillip gave me great advice and I learned a lot from the lessons I had with him. Thanks Mark
April 28, 2014Mark Guerin
Hi,
I would like to thank Advance Drive Galway especially Lee who was my Instructor throughout for helping me achieve getting my Jeep and Trailer License first time. I found dealing with Advance Drive to be a very easy process and Lee always kept in contact giving me guidance along the way. I found Advance to be very professional and courteous throughout my Lessons.
Thanks for a pleasant experience.
Regards
Conor Dalton.
August 31, 2017Galway
I am delighted that I passed my category D1 mini-bus test today (18/02/16). A big thank you to Dezzie for his excellent tutoring. He had me thoroughly prepared, fully ready and confident for my test after 8 hour lessons. Thanks again.
February 18, 2016Kevin Connolly
I am delighted that I passed my category D1 mini-bus test today (09/02/16). I can't praise Dezzie in Advance Drive enough for his excellent tutoring. He had me thoroughly prepared & fully ready for my test. He put me at ease & gave me confidence. Thanks Dezzie. I also passed my BE jeep & trailer test & my Category C rigid test in the last few years after receiving lessons from Advance Drive. I would highly recommend Advance Drive to those looking for driving lessons in any vehicle category.
February 9, 2016Brian Mullins
Thanks to advance drive, I passed my class d licence
Excellent tuition from Philip and good pointers all helped
April 27, 2015Galway
Big Thanks to Dezzie in Advance Drive, he got me through both my B & C1 licence. I wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend them to anyone wanting to learn to drive and to anyone who want to advance on to other licences. Very friendly, accommodating and professional!
February 16, 2015Galway
I found Philip very pleasant, professional and thorough. His knowledge and experience were very apparent throughout the lessons. I hope to deal with Advance Drive again when adding further categories to my license.
April 28, 2014Tim
Just passed my C licence Rigid truck under Dezzie's tuition this morning. Excellent school and only the best teachers around! Patience and outstanding communication from the instructor with superior knowledge of not only what he was teaching but of what I was going to do next. He s always 5 steps ahead to ensure everything was done correctly. Id recommend Advance Drive to all without question. Looking forward to doing my D licence already!!!!
April 30, 2014Alex Mc Mahon
Past my jeep and trailer test at the first attempt. Dezzie was my instructor and was very knowledgeable and a great support. Also Ailbhe in the office was extremely pleasent, efficient and gave good detail of all lessons to take place. This is an excellent driving school with customer service and success a top priority. Thanks for all the help and support. Gearoid.
December 17, 2015Galway
Thanks to Phillip for his great teaching skills , patience and all round tutor skills . passed the test first time with just a couple of lessons . would highly recommend him or any of the wounderfull team at advance.
April 30, 2014matthew mc mahon
Thanks to Philip and Vincent for helping me pass the bus driving test. Top class lads and to ailbhe as well. A brillant driving school. Mile buiochas
September 17, 2016
Passed my test 1st time Found them to be great to deal with And happy to recommend
April 30, 2014Garrett Fox
Received some excellent tuition from Philip in preparation for my EB licence, which I passed first time.
April 28, 2014Michael M
Passed Bus and cpc first time. Thanks again Philip for ironing out the bad habits.
January 26, 2015Galway
passed test first time great service from phillip and mike really good ps a glass of champagne after passing test would be nice.
April 30, 2014eddie brennan
I recently received tuition for my category D-D1 Bus test with Advance Drive.It was the first time i used this driving school and also the first time i passed a vehicle category test,first time.Excellent,patient tuition delivered in a proffessional manner.I was lucky enough to get a job two weeks after.I would highly recommend Advance,thanks Philip.
April 30, 2014Gerard Murphy
Found Advance Driving School to be very helpful and informative when making inquiries about getting a new category added to licence. I had a couple of truck driving lessons with Dessie and passed first time. Found Dessie to be very informative about all aspects of rules of the road as some of these had to be refreshed for me. Also found him to be very relaxed during lessons. Would definitely recommend for future lessons. Thank you.
January 12, 2016Galway
Passed first time. HGV and CPC. Thanks Philip!
April 28, 2014John Howard
Special thanks to Dezzie , who was my instructor for category D. I just passed my driving test for the first time with very positive result ! Dezzie is very patient instructor, very understandable and highly skilled professional. I would highly recommend Advance Drive school for someone who want to work with competent and professional people. Thank you very much once again !
Jozef Szuszkiewicz
December 17, 2015Galway
i would definetely recommand advance drive.passed my rigid test first go!!! keeep up the good work lads :)
April 30, 2014keith mannion
did my test today 16-10-13 for my EB licence using their jeep and trailer passed first time would highly recomend advance drive
April 30, 2014brian
I found Philip, my instructor, to be very professional and helpful. As a result I passed my D license bus test first time and managed to get a great job within a week. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2011john hanlon
Extremely Professional and Competent People, Advance helped me pass the ADI Instructor Practical for the D License and The Conventional EC License test
April 30, 2014Ken O'Loughlin
Definately recommend Advanced Drive, had a few lessons with Philip and passed first time round. Great instructor, made it easy!
April 28, 2014Darren Greaney
highly recommended rigid truck pass at 1st time just after 10 hours its great score . thanks again
April 28, 2014greg
Thanks to Advance passed my C1 first time. They where very good would recommend them. will def be back for D1. Thanks Philip.
April 28, 2014Eoin Molloy
Philip is an absolute genius when it comes to driving and answering questions you ask there is absolutely nothing he doesn\'t know, done 3 tests in a year rigid, coach and artic yesterday 1st oct with nearly a clean sheet only 1 fault due to another very unprofessional bus driver. how good is that for a result driving a truck with a 35ft trailor thanks to the expert tuition from Philip. impossible to fail. why go to an apprentice when you can learn from a professional cheers philip
April 28, 2014Lorcan Warde
I passed my C1 and D1 in the same week. I would highly recommend Advance drive. Philip was very calm and professional. I felt like I had been driving for years and not 10hours!
April 30, 2014Sarah Davoren
(22/04/14) Would definitely recommend advance drive for lessons. Passed my car test first time. Thanks to Dessie I was well informed and knew what to practice each week. Alan.
April 30, 2014Alan connolly
Many thanks to Philip and Micheal at advance drive.. Very friendly and professional.. Passed my bus test 1st time thanks to them.. Highly recommended!
April 28, 2014Pierce
I would highly recommend advance drive.cheers to des for all his help and patience!!you are fully aware and ready when your heading into your test.past my car test first time.des was with me every step of the way.thanks for everything:)
April 30, 2014Pauline spelman, Salthill
Many thanks to Garry at Advance Drive who prepared me for my driving test. I passed first time with Garry's help. He is really patient and puts you at ease. His calm and friendly nature takes the stress out of driving. Garry is very knowledgeable and has great tips for making you a safe and confident driver. I would highly recommend Advance Drive to anyone learning to drive. Many thanks to the office staff also who are very organised and make every effort to accommodate all appointments. Grainne
December 12, 2016
I just passed my Bus (D) test first time. A massive thanks to Phillip for his professional and relaxed instruction. I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone learning to drive.
January 26, 2015Galway
First class driving school, passed my car & rigid 1st time. Doing the bus now. Thanks again Mike!
April 30, 2014Gerry Kelly
All praise to phillip and advance drive for helping me through my driving test in athlone. ec licence ps.sweating buckets cheers
April 30, 2014cedric burke
Found advance drive were excellent. Mike and philip were excellent and I would highly recommend them to anyone thinking of doing there test.
April 30, 2014Dave Badger
Advanced Drive were fantastic,I passed my driving test first time thanks to Mike. Great friendly service, great tips and value for money what more could you ask for!
April 28, 2014Claire O'Toole
I passed the C1 test first time thanks to advance drive. Philip has a remarkable knowledge of all things related to the driving test and he did everything in his power to help me pass first time.
April 28, 2014Darragh Kirwan
Would highly recommend advance drive, Philip was great. passed C1 and D1 first time. Very Helpful & friendly.
April 28, 2014Nicola O'Malley
Done the switcharoo to Advance as I wasn't making progress. Came onboard with Dessie and the license was a formality. Great instructor, easy learning - I highly recommend.
April 28, 2014Anthony G
I went to Advanced drive after they were recommended by a friend. I have now passed 2 tests with them (bus and truck) and can't praise them enough. Phillip and Mike are both very patient and encouraging during the learning process. During each pre-test lesson they re-assured me and gave me ways to deal with the test nerves. This patience,professionality and excellent prices, added to their felxibility in scheduling lessons make them my first choice for any more tests. well done lads
April 28, 2014Stephen Hand
I passed my bus test first time with Philip from Advance Drive. he's a great instructor and has loads of patience. I would like to thank my instructor and everyone involved in advance drive.
April 30, 2014Costica Ariton
Thanks to Advance passed my C1 first time. They where very good would recommend them. will def be back for D1. Thanks Philip.
April 30, 2014Eoin Molloy
I did my D licence with Advance Drive before Christmas. Dessie was my instructor and I found him to be very experienced, patient and professional. Dessie subtly gets the point across of the mistakes that you are making without making you feel bad about it. He recommended that I do 2 extra lessons, the benefit of which was very noticeable and I may not have passed first time without them. Many thanks to Dessie and all at Advance Drive.
January 13, 2016Galway
Just wanted to say thanks to the guys at advance drive for getting me on the road to hopefully a new career. Got my truck licence first time and with CPC's included. See ye in the bus in the near future.
April 30, 2014M.V.Walsh
Thanks to Philip I passed my bus ‘D’ licence test, first time. Philip is a great instructor with great patience, very clear in his advice and instructions. I would highly recommend him and Advance Drive. Thanks again.
April 28, 2014Eileen
Switched to Advance Drive from another instructor after I failed my test. Had lessons with Dezzie and passed it the next time! Really nice relaxed instructor!
April 28, 2014Maria Wilson
Would highly recommend mike, passed my car test 1st time with his help and patience.
April 30, 2014Gemma Mc Grath
After failing the test twice, I changed companies. I passed today with a clean sheet after lessons with Dezzie. He quickly helped me get rid of any bad habits and made sure I was confident myself before doing the test. I would recommend Dezzie to anyone who is applying for their test.
April 30, 2014Niamh
Definately recommend Advance Drive. Passed my test first time with great lessons from Dezzie Barry. Great instructor and highly recommended
April 28, 2014Padraic Casserly
I would highly recommend Advance Drive to anyone wishing to do their driving test. I passed my C test in order to drive my horse lorry first time (in the pouring rain!). Teaching is comprehensive and prepares you to the last for the test, many thanks Philip. Very well organised service with SMS reminders of appointments and clear communication on all aspects of learning.
April 28, 2014Gillian Dunlop
I Would highly Recommend Advanced Drive. I Recently passed my 'C' test and found the tuition from Philip very helpful. I found them very accommodating regarding lesson times and good value for money.
April 30, 2014Daniel Payne
i did my EB (trailer) test on monday the 26th and passed first go thanks to advanced drive.
April 28, 2014galway
(17/04/14) Looked at a number of other driving schools before choosing Advance Drive. I'm glad I went with my 'gut instinct' & chose this one. Philip did a great job of teaching me. I felt relaxed with him & learnt something at every lesson. He's patient, very astute (misses nothing!) a good communicator and great instructor. Managed to pass my driving test first time. I'm 'over the moon!' I would certainly recommend Advance Drive to anyone in the process of choosing a driving school. Thanks to Philip, Ailbhe & all at Advance Drive.
April 28, 2014Allison Barry
Passed my artic lorry test today so happy! Want to say a huge thanks to Philip for all his patience and confidence boosters especially today! Really appreciate it! Happy trucking... Highly recommend them to anybody!
April 28, 2014Ciara Fallon
I passed my EB test first time around on the 19/06/13, thanks to Phillip and his excellent tutoring. I found him very professional. He had me well prepared and very focused for the test.I would highly recommend him and the Advance Drive team to others in the future.
April 28, 2014Brian
Passed my Artic Driving Test All Thanks To The Team Par Excellence At Advance Drive ,Their Professionalism ,Patience ,Communication, Consideration and Knowledge is Exemplary .Thanks Again And Continued Success In The Future To All At Advance Drive .
January 16, 2016Galway
Excellent tuition by Philip in Galway. Very professional and had me prepared for trailer towing test in a few lessons. will highly recommend to anyone needing tuition.
April 28, 2014Lonan o farrell
I would highly recommend advance to anyone thinking of getting driving lessons as I passed my rigid truck and bus test both on first attempt.
A special thanks to dezzie my instructor whom had great patience for me and made me feel at ease.
September 17, 2016
I recommend Advance Drive and instructor Lee who helped me pass my car driving test first time.
October 12, 2017Galway
Passed my test today with the help of Dezzie. He's incredibly patient, professional and makes learning to drive a breeze! Can't compliment him enough. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him & Advance Drive to anyone. Big Thanks!!!!!
April 30, 2014Ciara McGuinness
yes i am another one of the thousands who got first class tuition and passed my c class liscense first time thanks to philip .Would highly recomend him.
April 30, 2014david
great driving school, I highly recommend Advance drive. I passed my driving test cat C first time. Dezzie was my instructor very well trained and patient ..
Thank you guys.. looking forward to do my artic lessons..
February 9, 2015Galway
I would highly recommend Advance Drive to anybody taking an EB licence test [for trailer]. Philip gave me great advice and tips. I would not have passed first time without your help, thanks.
April 30, 2014Denis Martyn
(17/04/14) Looked at a number of other driving schools before choosing Advance Drive. I'm glad I went with my 'gut instinct' & chose this one. Philip did a great job of teaching me. I felt relaxed with him & learnt something at every lesson. He's patient, very astute (misses nothing!) a good communicator and great instructor. Managed to pass my driving test first time. I'm 'over the moon!' I would certainly recommend Advance Drive to anyone in the process of choosing a driving school. Thanks to Philip, Ailbhe & all at Advance Drive.
April 28, 2014Allison Barry
Hey just want to say I would highly recommend Advance Drive.I passed my car test for the first time on 15/11/2013. Dezzie was my instructor and he was brilliant, the main reason that I passed. I would like to give a huge thanks to everyone involved as I found Advance Drive to be very efficient and great to deal with. Thanks again.
April 30, 2014Maria Louise Lyne
I just want to say thank you very much to all the crew in Advancedrive,I passed my test!,keep up the good work
April 28, 2014joe annis
I went to Advanced drive after they were recommended by a friend. I have now passed 2 tests with them (bus and truck) and can't praise them enough. Phillip and Mike are both very patient and encouraging during the learning process. During each pre-test lesson they re-assured me and gave me ways to deal with the test nerves. This patience,professionality and excellent prices, added to their felxibility in scheduling lessons make them my first choice for any more tests. well done lads
April 28, 2014Stephen Hand
i found advance to be very knowledgable on what it takes to pass test first time as i successfully did, for someone who did not drive on a daily basis, which is a credit to advance as they kept on my toes right up until test day. i would gladly recommend advance drive to anyboy seeking any licence
April 30, 2014kenneth hynes
Today I passed my driving test & will be forever grateful to Garry from Advance Drive.
I was a nervous wreck going into my first lesson but Garry has a gift of making you feel at ease, safe and ultimately a capable confident driver. "What would Garry do" and "GOSHO" will be forever imprinted on my mind!!
Thanks again Advance Drive, If all your instructors are as good as Garry then i cannot recommend you more highly.
October 12, 2017Galway
I found Advance to be excellent. I did truck lessons with them and passed first time in both the CPC and main test. They have great experience they put you at ease and explain everything. There vehicles are excellent to learn in.
April 30, 2014Tadhg Bolger
Had numerous lessons with other tutors and failed my test first time. My second time had only two double lessons with Philip and passed with flying colours! thanks a million guys! keep up the good work
April 30, 2014Susan Looby Cullinane
Ended up getting a clean sheet thanks to Garry's help and guidance. Would highly recommended Advance Drive and especially Garry for anyone hoping to do their driving test in the near future. Garry was a very patient and experienced driving instructor who put me at ease throughout the time I went to him for driving lessons.
February 9, 2017Salthill, Galway
Found Advance very helpful, Took lessons for my EB test using their Jeep & trailer. Passed 1st time. Philip is a very patient tutor & I would highly recommend him!!
April 28, 2014Rachel
I passed my D licence with philp from advance drive ..... absolutley fantasic drivin instructor....very switched on fella,many many thanks philp....
April 30, 2014james collins
Got my C1 and my full D license first time round so far with Advance Drive in the space of about 4months. Cannot recommend Advance and Dezzie enough. Brilliant guidance and instruction. Great value for money.
October 22, 2015
Highly recommend Philip.Passed the truck(C) test first time.Great for getting out of bad habits.
April 30, 2014John Mooney
Massive thanks to Advance Drive for getting me through the C1. Very helpful in getting me out of my bad habits that I'd picked up since doing the B. Was also a lovely small truck for learning. Will be back for the D1, thanks again.
April 28, 2014Helen van den Hof
Want to thank Dezzie for teaching me and getting me to pass my driving test first time in Galway,Great instructor,easy learning :) MC
April 28, 2014Michelle
Thank you very much Philip and all at Advance Drive for helping me pass my category C Rigid Truck test today. In six lessons Philip honed my skills to perfection with careful, patient instruction and total professionalism. Passed with flying colours the tester said! I recommend Advanced Drive in Galway to any prospective learner driver. Thank you again Philip.
March 12, 2015Clifden, Co Galway
I would recommend Advance Drive. I felt confident and well prepared for my C1 test, which I passed first time thanks to Dezzie's very clear and professional tutelage.
April 30, 2014Rob
Massive thanks to the team at Advance Drive for their fantastic instruction and professional advice with helping me pass my Jeep & Trailer test first time. Philip was a fantastic instructor with great patience. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
April 7, 2015Galway
Sailed through my Artic Truck test thanks to Philip and his brilliant, assuring and dedicated teaching. These guys really know their stuff and tutor you very professionally AND calmly! (this is most important, especially when trying to reverse a 35FT trailer around a corner!) When it came to seeking a professional driving qualification and after doing my research and getting info from all the other 'instructors' I am really delighted to have gone with Advance Drive - they're my No.1
April 30, 2014Nicholas
I passed my Car test first time with ADVANCE DRIVE on 14/05/2015 . Want to say special thanks to my instructor PHILIP. He is very patient & well trained professional. I highly recommend ADVANCE DRIVE they are absolutely brilliant.
May 14, 2015Galway
I just want to say thanks to Philip for the lorry lessons and most importantly for his calming nature on the morning of my test. I would never have passed first time without your help. Looking forward to round two for the horsebox!! Many Thanks Aine
April 30, 2014Aine
Massive thanks to Advance Drive for getting me through the C1. Very helpful in getting me out of my bad habits that I'd picked up since doing the B. Was also a lovely small truck for learning. Will be back for the D1, thanks again.
April 28, 2014Helen van den Hof
Passed my D1 test first time thanks for advance drive, all thanks to Philips tuition! He was calm, professional, patient and a great teacher! Made me feel at ease straight away and knocked all the bad habits out of me! Very flexible and willing to accommodate changing bookings at short notice. I have no bad reports for advance drive, I would highly recommend them. The best around! :-)
April 30, 2014Fiona
Phillip got me passed my bus test thanks again to all in advance drive.
April 30, 2014Cedric burke
Thanks to Dessie and gang at Advance for the lessons, passed EB on first attempt
April 30, 2014mark carroll
