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 was Delighted to pass my Category D Bus test on my first attempt yesterday Thanks to all the guys at Advance Drive, they are a very professional set up and I couldn’t recommend them enough . I have to give a special mention to Gerry who was my instructor, Gerry is a professional who knows his job inside out and gives great confidence and self belief, he is also good fun and gives a relaxed feel to the whole experience, I think I will be hearing “Mind that tail swing and mirror mirror” in my sleep for the next ten years! Thanks also to Aoife, Alilbhe and Emma in the office who were always very helpful when I was looking for any information. Overall I would highly recommend Advance Drive to anyone wishing to learn to drive or add a new category to their license.
March 3, 2022Galway

Here’s a warm, natural, all‑positive review you can post anywhere. Tone is friendly, appreciative, and personal — exactly what you asked for. --- ⭐ Warm Review I had a genuinely great experience with Alan Skerritt. He was always calm, patient, and very supportive throughout every lesson. His explanations were clear and he made me feel comfortable even in situations that usually make learners nervous. You can tell he really cares about helping his students improve. Thanks to his guidance, I felt confident on the road and ended up passing my driving test on the first try. I’m truly grateful for his help and highly recommend him.
July 27, 2026Galway

Today i passed the Bus test on my first attempt.I also passed the Artic on my first attempt too with Advance. I would like to thank all the Management and Staff for their help and advice over the last few weeks. They have always been very helpful, professional and patient in their approach with students like myself. The 2 girls at front of house were always very helpful with any problem that had to be sloved. A big thanks to Noel for the Artic and to Mike for the Bus. I think that Mike has trained everyone that drives a bus or truck around Galway as everyone in a bus or truck waves at him every time. It felt like I was driving Michael D around waving at everyone. A great experience and one that I wont forget. What a brilliant company with wonderful personnel and I would like to wish them all the best in the future. I would hoghly reccommend Advance School of Motoring to anyone.
July 12, 2023Galway

I cannot reccomend Advance Drive enough for new drivers! After failing the test three times with other instructors I had lost all confidence in my driving abilities. And became a very nervous driver. I then went to Advance Drive where Noel became my new instructor. Noel changed my whole perspective on driving and the nerves went away. He's so patient and understanding and I found the lessons to be fun and enjoyable in comparison to other driving schools in Galway. 10/10 for Noel & Advanced drive, could not reccomend enough! Definitely the reason for me passing my test!
September 4, 2020Galway

From my initial contact to passing my test I could not have been happier with the high level of service I received. Aoife and all the staff working in their Ballybane Office were approachable, informative and very knowledgeable about all aspects of Driving / Driving Tests and timescales involved. Dezzie was my Driving Instructor and he displayed all of the aforementioned traits and more. He is also very good at catering for each persons desired method of learning as well as simply being “sound as a pound”. I have nothing but the highest regard for all the staff at Advance Drive and can confidently recommend them to anyone looking to get any kind of Driving Licence. Go raibh míle maith agaibh agus bí sabháilte, Peadar 🤙☘️
December 16, 2020Galway

Passed my D class bus licence test this week. I 'm convinced that it was down to the very professional team of people at Advanced Drive in Galway that I did so well in every aspect of the training. The training is both relaxed and very professional in the delivery. You find your self all of a sudden in about week 5 or 6 of the 10 week course having a very good understanding of what is required as a professional bus driver. Even more surprising you will be driving a D class Bus around Galway and Oranmore like it was your daily drive. That really impressed me! I would like to say a very warm and grateful thank you to all the talented team at Advance Drive, long may you continue. J Bennis, Bus driver..... If you are considering a career driving or just want to start with your Car licence, do not put it off or worry about your ability. The fantastic team of people at Advance Drive Galway will prepare you and your confidence to succeed what ever you want to achieve. And the very best of good luck to you. Thank you, I enjoyed every minute of my training with Advance Drive.
November 17, 2022Clare

The in-house staff at advanced drive are very helpful, friendly and went out of their way to help me with any queries I had. Even if they did not have the answer at hand, they made sure to phone me back with the answer. It is a very professional and welcoming environment and despite the course being 3 months, it felt like 3 weeks. My instructor, Gerry Burke was a fantastic instructor. He was friendly, banterful yet firm and professional. We worked on the practical aspects of the bus course rigorously all while smiling and joking, and this ultimately made the test itself a breeze.
June 2, 2022Galway

I am totally new to commercial driving and have found that Pat was a very patient and informative instructor. I learnt a great deal and he helped me through to passing my mini-bus driving test. The staff in the office are always helpful and respond quickly at the end of the phone. They are really flexible, very helpful and will help you through the whole learning process. I highly recommend Advance Drive as a very professional service which can help you through what maybe a new process to you. Thank you for helping me pass.
November 14, 2025Carraroe

ADVANCE DRIVE are a great driving school. To Aoife and Emma for organizing lessons at such short notice once again - it was much appreciated and didn't go un-noticed. To Dezzie - what an instructor. His attention to detail is crucial for you if you want to pass your test first time round. His guidance and methods are so easy to understand and makes the journey enjoyable. Pick up the phone right now and call them - you wont be sorry the day you get your test result! Much appreciated again, Alan
February 11, 2021Galway

I completed my bus licence back in January and rigid licence in May with Advance Drive. I could not be any happier with all of the staff that made it such an easy task in obtaining both licences. Thanks to Lee in helping me get my bus licence, who was so professional in explaining everything in great detail to me (never knew how much you need to look in the mirrors, but I do now) but never made you feel under pressure or nervous. Thanks to Vinny for helping me get my rigid who again made everything feel so easy and yet made me laugh so much. Would highly recommend either of these two lads to teach you in either bus or truck. Massive thanks to Philip and Ailbhe who both were so accommodating in providing both information and guidance anytime it was needed, espically for the CPC theory and practical. Seriously I have greatest respect for all of ye at Advance Drive, keep up the great work and best of luck in the future.
November 23, 2017Galway

Advance drive team very Professional team When I meet this team first I had nothing only only car licence and now have bus and rigid lorry licence all thanks to Advance team Where I do I start I first met Philip and Ailbhe in Althlone when I went for my bus licence very Professional at the job . I went for my Rigid Lorry license went to galway to do it I met rest of the team very Professional staff Aoife and Emma are on front desk when walk in door u are Greeted with a smile All driving Instructor very professional. Their is no mark to grade the advance drive team very Professional and always go above the job to make fell comfortable to get your licence.
January 27, 2022Co Clare

I would like to say a big thank you to all at Advance Drive for helping me pass my class C driving test. Always professional and courteous. For all you aspiring truck and bus drivers out there I would definitely recommend Advance Drive so mush so I can't wait to do my artic training with them as soon as I get my provisional license. And finally a big thank you to my instructor Dezzie who's cool and professional manner during my lessons helped to put me at ease, fair play to him he only had to step on that emergency break a few times, again a big thank you to all, stay safe and hopefully see you soon for the next stage.
August 12, 2020Galway

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 can't recommend Advance highly enough. Vincent, as well as Mike and Noel, taught me how to drive a bus with complete confidence from scratch. After the second lesson, Vincent's calmness and patience took away any fears I had, and gave me the confidence to know I could do this. He believed in me from the start and I am so, so grateful to him. I have to also commend the office staff for their efficiency, support and all the timely reminders! 100% recommended 👌
September 24, 2026Galway

- Instructor: Vas is an excellent instructor, very careful with details; aways show the exact procedures for the exam; point out all the right and wrong maneuvers during the lessons; encourage you and prepare you for the stressful day of the test. - Driving centre: it was the only driving centre I found with available agenda for a short period; They have both manual and automatic cars; They have a good price; They are flexible; They always answer you very quick.
February 25, 2022Knocknacarra, Galway

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your guidance, support, and professionalism throughout my training. I successfully passed my truck driving test on July 8, 2025, and my artic truck test on November 7, 2025, and this achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and patience of the instructors. My special thanks go to instructors Martin and Noel, as well as instructor Dezzie, for their excellent teaching and encouragement. I am deeply grateful to everyone involved and to Advance Driving School as a whole for providing such high-quality training and support. It was truly a pleasure learning with such a committed and professional team. Thank you once again for everything.
January 9, 2026Co. Galway

Thanks a million to all at Advance. I've just completed a hat-trick of Rigid, Bus and Artic tests and it's all thanks to your team. I've learned a lot, made new friends and had great craic in 2024 thanks to Advance - and not forgetting Patricia and all at GRETB. Everyone involved was professional and courteous but more importantly, very helpful and supportive. The instructors all had great patience and skill - and above all, a sense of humour (and they certainly needed that at times!). And the back-room team were always a pleasure to deal with - very efficient. Phillip and Ailbhe, ye have a great team there - keep doing what ye're doing. And put me on the waiting list for next year's Sikorsky 101 course - although I'm dreading the hill-start!
November 20, 2024East Galway

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