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`

Thanks to Corey for all your help and guidance throughout my driving lessons. Your patience, teaching, and advice were invaluable and made a significant difference in my learning experience. I was completely hesitant to even learn to drive, but your calm and encouraging approach ensured the whole process was a joy. Your expertise and reassuring demeanor made each lesson something I looked forward to, rather than something to be anxious about. I'm truly thankful for your dedication and the effort you put into helping me become a confident and safe driver. I highly recommend you to anyone looking to learn how to drive. Your professionalism and kindness make you an exceptional instructor.
June 14, 2024Bearna, Co Galway

"I just passed my driving test today, and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of Pat and Lee at Advance Drive Galway! From the very first lesson, their professionalism, expertise, and patience made me feel at ease behind the wheel. They took the time to explain every detail, ensuring I fully understood the rules of the road while building my confidence step by step. I truly appreciate their dedication to my success and how they tailored each lesson to my needs. If you’re looking for top-notch driving instruction, I highly recommend Advanced Drive Galway! Thanks again, to my instructors Pat and Lee, for everything – I couldn't be more grateful!" I would also like to thank Aoife front of house for her professionalism in arranging all lessons and tests much Appreciated. Thank you All!
January 10, 2025Clifden

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

I am delighted to have passed my D bus test on the first attempt. I was lucky enough to have 2 different instructors - Noel and Gerry. I feel both instructors had a different style of teaching and I definitely learned different things from each of them. They were both very thorough in making sure I was ready for the test and confident in the test procedure. The office staff are exceptional. They are accommodating and considerate. They know their job and they were great to call me and offer me an extra lesson before my test, when a slot became available. Before passing my test, I was already recommending Advance Drive to people who have asked me about getting a bus license.
March 4, 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

I would highly recommend Advance Drive and in particular my instructor Pat in Galway. I was taken through all the requisite skills in great detail, i.e clutch control, observation and road positioning etc, such that I passed the test without any problems and felt no nerves on the day. I thank my instructor for his expertise and for sharing his knowledge of how to perform in the test on the day. His instruction really matched all the requirements of the test and made the experience much easier, as well as successful. Highly recommended.
June 26, 2025Galway

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

I'd like to thank the wonderful team at Advance Drive and GRETB for the excellent instruction over the past 10 weeks. The tuition was second to none. A special shoutout to the ever-parient and expert instructor, Mike, for his valuable help to ensure I passed my driving test to get the Category D licence. The result of a PASS is a testament of the service, the training, the appointments, and professionalism provided. I'd also like to give a special mention to my fellow students because the support and camaraderie was exceptional. Thank you!
December 2, 2024Loughrea

once again i have to complement all at advance drive ive just passed my bus test and got no marks this is down to dessie my instructor he went trough every little detail fully over and over again he is calm but misses nothing and is able to push you to your best he is a true professional this is my second time with dessie he got me trough the artic as well i will highly recomend advance drive to anyone thinking of doing driving lessons they take you on board as an individual and work with your needs to get you through regis golding
July 13, 2020galway

I passed my driving test last week with Advance Drive for the D1 license. I want to thank Philip, Ailbhe, Gerry, Aoife, Mike and all the team for their professionalism and support throughout. I want to give a huge thanks to my driving instructor Mike. Mike is a professional, experienced and understanding Driving Instructor. With his expertise, encouragement and patience he taught me the skills to become a safe driver. I would highly recommend Mike as a Driving Instructor. My experience with Advance Drive from start to finish was superb.
May 25, 2023Clare

to all in advance drive i just passed my test in the ridget truck in roscommon and want to thank all in volved in getting me there from the class tutor james for hes passion and knowlage troughout the course great instructor thanks to shane and ollie for the help in getting us trough the forlift verry good instructors to gerry and aoife for keeping us all together thank you and all in the office to vincent my driving instructor he has a great way of getting you to do things the right way without putting you under pressure i felt relaxed at all times he is not afraid to tell you as it is but in a good way that does not take away your confidence hes top class i would recommend advance drive highly to anyone thinking of doing a driving course best regards to all REGIS GOLDING
February 14, 2020roscommon

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

Having recently completed and thankfully passed the Rigid Truck Course, I would just like to thank Advance Drive for all the excellent tuition that we all received while on the the course. I would particularly like to thank Martin for his patience and his great instruction with the driving lessons. Thanks also to all the Admin staff as always, for keeping everything on track and running smoothly for us throughout the course. A truly exceptional experience. Thank you all so much.
August 30, 2024Galway

Passed my c license on my first try today. I would to thank the whole team at advance drive for there dedication on helping me pass my driving test I would like to give a special shout out to my driving instructor dezzie who made every thing very simple for me I would recommend you guys to everyone and anyone who is wanting to learn how to drive a truck or a car you get a big 10/10 from me. Also I would like to thank Mike Rice for his kind words today thanks so much Darren Jennings
May 1, 2024Galway

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

Having resently passed my driving test for category "D" Bus Licence, I would just like to thank Advance Drive for all the tuition and instruction that I received in preparation for the driving test and also the bus case studies exam. Ronald was on the mark as usual for the possible case study questions that might come up on the day of the test and passing on all that knowledge. Thank you Ronald so much. As far as my bus driving skills needed to be brought up to a high standard in order for me to pass the test, I have Mike to thank for all his patience and professionalism. You got me to that level required to pass. Thank you for everything Mike. Thanks also to all the staff for all the planning of lessons and date fixtures. Thank you all so much. Advance Drive is a very professionally ran training school, with the very best instructors. Highly recommended.
August 7, 202466 Dun Na Mara Drive Renmore Galway

I can't speak highly enough of the team at Advance Drive, I passed the HGV rigid first time with the help of Vincent who was the instructor. He was excellent, very professional, understanding and skillful with the patience of a saint. Philip and Gerry were excellent, they were very helpful and went out of their way to to accomodate me. Finally Aoife, I can only describe Aoife as an absolute little star and a real gem for Advance Drive. I dealt with Aoife regularly and she was brilliant, extremely polite and courteous and just a real pleasure to deal with. Left no stone unturned to make sure everything was right. I would give them 10/10, would definitely recommend them if you want success and a good experience. Thank you very much Advance Drive :o)
September 17, 2019Roscommon

I have just completed my "C" Truck Licence and passed on the first attempt, thanks to PJ Dunne who is a phenomenal Truck Driving Instructor: Also I had great support and assistance in preparing for my CPC practical. The structure of the lessons are second to none. I really like the fact that I had a pre test hour before my test on the day, which prepared me well and settled my nerves ! I cant thank PJ enough, and the Advance team, who were extremely accommodating when booking my lessons, which often had to be re-scheduled due to my work load. I will be preparing to commit to my D licence in the Autumn with the Advance Team in Galway. Many thanks to all. Sass O Flynn
July 19, 2022Galway

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