Training

Congratulations! By finding this website you are on the right road to Learning how to drive & passing your driving test in Galway. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking for a pre test course of lessons for your driving test in Galway. Advance Drive is the driving school for you, We will help you pass your driving test first time. Take a moment to read our customer Testimonials.

Advance Drive is Galway’s largest and most successful driving school with a pass rate second to none. The Advance Drive office was originally based in Salthill, but now has its main office in our state of the art transport training centre located in Ballybane Galway. We are the only driving school and training centre in the West of Ireland approved by the RSA to deliver ADI instructor training and to deliver driver training in every category of vehicle (A, A1, B, B, C1, C, CE, D1, D).
Advance Drive teaches beginners how to drive manual and automatic cars as well as providing driver training to professional drivers in such industries as The Fire Service, Ambulance Drivers – Paramedics / EMT’s, Coach & Minibus Drivers and Rigid & Artic Truck Drivers. Whatever the license category Advance Drive has you covered!

Advance Drive run weekly Driver CPC Training courses, Manual Handling courses, Digital Tachograph Training and provide information on ADR Driver Hazchem Training courses for professional drivers in Galway, Mayo and Westmeath.

Driver recruitment is another service offered to recently qualified and experienced drivers. We work with transport companies to place newly qualified drivers. Some commercial clients of Advance Drive include; The Department of Social Protection & Employment Services, Intreo, ETB’s Nationwide, An Post, The ESB, Galway City Council and Galway County Council.

Advance Drive guarantee to give the best possible training with Director of Advance Drive; Philip Rice being presented with the RSA’s ‘Leading Lights’ in road safety award for ‘ADI Truck Instructor of the year 2013’ & again in 2014, Advance Drive was also short listed and a finalist for the ‘Safety Award’ in the ‘Irish Logistics and Transport Awards 2014’.

Learning to drive is something that nearly every person will do in their lifetime. Getting the correct information and professional training from the start helps drivers to become safer, more competent drivers thus minimising risk to themselves and other vulnerable road users. Advance Drive will help you pass your driving test first time and provide you with all the information and guidance you need along the way.

For more information contact a member of our team on 091 524689 or email info@advancedrive.com

Click here to book a Course Now!

Philip Rice – ADI of the Year 2014 RSA Leading Lights awards

Philip Rice – ADI of the Year 2013 RSA Leading Lights awards

`Testimonials`

I passed my rigid truck (C) license at the first attempt yesterday, delighted! I did most of my lessons with Dezzie and one lesson with Mike. There were a few bumps along the road - took me a year from start to finish because my work interfered with booking and scheduling lessons - but Advance Drive as a company left me with the feeling that they care about each and every one of their students. They gave individual attention to me, and I am sure every student who chooses to train with them. Each person gets the education, practice, information and personal attention that they as an individual need. Now I feel like a competent and confident driver. I recommend this school. I want to thank particularly Dezzie for doing most of my lessons, your training style made everything feel very natural and easy and clear and I wish to thank everyone else who had a hand in my success: Mike, Phillip, and Aoife for all your help as a team to get me through at first attempt.
November 10, 2017Galway

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Advance Training Centre for their outstanding professionalism and support throughout my journey. They trained me to the highest standards and helped me successfully obtain my Category C and CE truck licences, and now my Category D bus licence. From day one, the instructors were patient, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to helping me succeed. Their guidance gave me the confidence and skills I needed, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the effort they put into every lesson. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me. I genuinely appreciate your hard work, encouragement, and professionalism. I couldn’t have asked for a better training centre! Highly recommended to anyone who wants top-quality training and real support on their licensing journey.
December 4, 2025Galway

Today, at the age of 43, I at last passed my driving test; doing so, on my first attempt. After years of hesitancy, and a belief I wasn't capable of driving well, the skills, ability and professionalism exhibited by my driving instructor - Noel Nee, at all times ensured that I was more than capable and ready to achieve my full category B driving license. In no small way, it was the enthusiasm, patience, exacting dedication to excellence, humility, and his earnest sense of putting the learner first that allowed me advance with confidence to the position of executing my test, and further passing with a confidence I thought I did not own. Since my initial lesson with Noel, I was always greeted with optimism, calm, and a capacity to teach that at all times remained with me, and will, I believe, remain with me as I begin driving as a novice licensee. Again, since meeting Noel, I always felt listened to, treated as an equal, and spoken to in a manner that allowed me learn, returning each time with the knowledge I was growing in awareness, and further honing the skills necessary to become a competent driver. Here, his advice and willingness to go above and beyond in terms of ensuring I understood, while also instilling a belief I was more than capable, all indelibly paved the way to my passing the test in a successful manner. Today, therefore, it is without hesitation that I write this testimonial in the hope that Noel is somehow given the credit he richly deserves, and, from here, would gladly recommend him as an instructor to any and all, in particular those lacking the confidence in their own abilities. He remains an exceptionally good teacher exacting all those attributes required to allow those he tutors to excel as they should. In turn, I also wish to acknowledge the professionalism and understanding I was at all times met with by the staff at Advance Drive, in particular Aoife and Emma, who always met me with warmth, kindness, humour, and patience, in what has been an unprecedented and drawn out year. Undoubtedly, their ability to meet my needs financially allowed me to continue to progress with them, especially at times of financial stress. Again, their ability to show compassion and understanding proved worthy and invaluable, which is why i would have no hesitation recommending they as a professional body to any wishing to avail of lessons, where staff and instructors put the learner's need first. At a time in which the humanity or personal seems to be on the wain, the people at Advanced Drive remain a testament to what good companies are really all about - providing a service that ensures the customer is happy and further satisfied they chose to run with that company in the first place. My continued appreciation and best wishes to a company worth noting. Ted
January 12, 2021Galway

After weeks of preparation and hard work, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve passed my bus driving licence exam! The journey wasn’t always easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. I want to thank my instructor (Noel) for their patience and guidance throughout the training process. He is not only taught me the technical skills needed but also instilled confidence in my abilities to handle a bus safely and responsibly. The testing process was thorough and fair, challenging me to showcase all the skills and knowledge I’d gained. Passing this milestone feels like a major achievement, and I’m excited to begin a new chapter in my career as a licensed bus driver. To anyone preparing for their own test: stay focused, trust the process, and practice as much as you can. It’s worth it!
December 12, 2024Galway

To Phillip , Gerry and all the crew in Advance Drive, thanks for all your help and encouragement in making sure I passed my Bus driving test and gaining my C P C card. To Vincent who gave me my driving lessons, Ronald and Tom who did our case study and C P C modules, Evelyn who helped us with Career planning, Maddie who did the First Responder course, Mike who did my pre test run and Gerry who was with me during my C P C practical Thanks for all your help. Regards Mike Burke
June 21, 2022Monivea

I made five lessons with Pat and he was great, very helpful, calm, patient, and motivated me to keep trying. It made all the difference for me. Before I met him, all the other instructors were rude on the telephone on the first contact, they were assuming that I was a terrible trainee only because I wanted to change instructors even before they met me personally. Pat treated me differently, with respect and never second-guessed me. So, thank you very much Advanced Drive and Pat for your support
November 5, 2019Galway

My driving lessons were disrupted by the recent health crisis, but once I joined up with Advance Drive and my instructor Martin, I flew through my remaining EDT's. Martin was a fantastic instructor and made me feel very comfortable getting back to driving as I was quite nervous. After a few lessons with him, my confidence grew leaps and bounds and with just three extra lessons after the essential ones, I passed my test the first time! I would highly recommend Martin and Advance Drive to anyone no matter where you are on your driving journey. Thanks so much Martin, couldn't have done it without you!!
April 28, 2023Galway

I want to say a massive thank you to the Advance Drive team, especially Martin and Aoife. Firstly, every time I contacted advance drive I was greeted by Aoife who went over and beyond to help as much she could in regards to lessons, booking me in, changing slots and replying to emails. However, I owe a huge thanks to Martin, my instructor for all my 22 lessons! From start to finish he gave it his all, and I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher. He made sure I was all set for my test, which meant first go I passed with flying colours! I highly recommend him, and advance drive overall, and wish them the very best.
July 15, 2022Galway

I went to Advance Drive for mini bus lessons and thankfully passed my test last Tuesday. I got held up on taking my test as Covid just came in when I had started with the lessons. I found Mike in the earlier lessons I took to be very good & helpfull and in the last few lessons I took with Gerry Burke I found him also very good & helpfull. I would strongly recommend them both if you want to sign up with Advance Drive. Aoife on reception is most helpfull in scheduling your lessons.
April 5, 2022Galway

JUST PASSED MY BUS TEST TODAY,THANKS TO EVERYONE AT ADVANCED DRIVE FROM THE OFFICE STAFF TO INSTRUCTORS WELL DONE TO EVERYONE AND TO MY EXCEPTIONAL INSTRUCTOR ,LEE WHO HAD THE PATIENCE ,PRESERVERNCE,AND EXCEPTIONAL INTUITION IN GETTING ME TO MANAGE A BUS ,ITS A JOURNEY THAT I THOURGHLY ENJOYED AND LEARNED SO MUCH .IF ANYONE HAS AN INTEREST IN BECOMMING A BUS DRIVER I CAN HIGHLY RECOMMEND ADVANCE DRIVE FOR PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION ,GREAT POSITIVE FEEDBACK ,AND MOST IMPORTANTLY INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO MANAGE A BUS SAFELY.THIS IS A SKILL YOU WILL HAVE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE,SO ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE LIKE I DID ,"ITS NOT THE TEST THAT WAS THE MAIN GOAL BUT THE JOURNEY ALONG THE WAY IN GETTING TO THE END GOAL WHICH IS TO PASS YOUR TEST,I THINK THAT THE EXPERIENCES ALONG THE WAY ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT AS PASSING YOUR TEST. I DO WISH YOU THE BEST IF YOU INTEND TAKING BUS LESSONS AGAIN I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND ADVANCE DRIVE ,GALWAY FOR ALL INSTRUCTIONAL NEEDS,THEY ARE SIMPLY A CLASS ABOVE THE REST !AND ALWAYS REMEMBER ..........THAT A BUS IS 5 TIMES BIGGER THEREFORE 5 TIMES SLOWER!!!!!!!!!! EUGE FLYNN FEBURARY 1ST/2021
February 3, 2021TUAM

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