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 had an excellent experience learning with Pat. He was phenomenal at his job—patient, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. Pat explained everything clearly, built my confidence behind the wheel, and always made sure I felt comfortable and understood each lesson. His calm and encouraging approach made learning to drive an enjoyable experience. Thanks to his guidance, I became a safe and confident driver. I highly recommend Pat to anyone looking for a dedicated and outstanding driving instructor. Thank you, Pat, for all your support and encouragement!
June 18, 2026Galway

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 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

I can’t thank the team at Advance Drive enough for all the incredible support and guidance during my driving lessons. From the moment I started, I felt welcomed and truly cared for. A massive thank you to Mike, my driving instructor. His calm and encouraging approach made every lesson enjoyable, and his expertise gave me the confidence I needed to drive safely and independently. Mike’s patience and positive attitude made such a difference, and I always looked forward to our lessons together. Aoife, Ailbhe, and Gerry were all fantastic as well! Each of them brought something unique to the course, and their kindness and professionalism were evident from the start. It was clear that they genuinely want their students to succeed, and that made all the difference. I also want to express my gratitude to Ronald, the course tutor. His insights and supportive teaching style helped me feel prepared and confident for the road ahead. But it wasn’t just about the instructors—everyone who was part of the course with me was so supportive and friendly. It really felt like a community, and I will miss those weekly lessons with everyone. Heartfelt thanks to the entire Advance Drive team for making this experience so memorable. Wishing you all the very best in the future, and I’ll always look back on this with a smile! Nicola
July 14, 2025Galway

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 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

As an experienced driver with over 10 years experience in the US, I thought driving lessons were going to be a total waste of time. However, my experience working with Alan was nothing short of fantastic! Alan showed himself to be well-suited to teaching/instructive environments and tasks as he made lessons fun, engaging, and demonstrated a high degree of competence in both correcting bad habits of mine and even teaching me some new things without me becoming anxious or frustrated. Additionally, Advance Drive itself was incredibly accommodating with it's selection of dates and times suitable for a working professional such as myself. After passing the test on my first try with minimal issue, I cannot recommend them enough. 10 out of 10!
July 27, 2026Galway

passed my test first time with advance drive for my c1 licence , I can’t thank Lee enough for his patience and guidance throughout my lessons . Lee was a very thorough instructor and prepared me for all eventualities and explained everything so well . He was extremely understanding , professional and never made me question my ability. Mike was also very helpful for my pretest , he was very friendly and eased my nerves a lot , delighted to have got the experience to learn from both Lee and Mike , could not recommend them enough , Thank you so much !
April 23, 2024Galway

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

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 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

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

Just a quick note of thanks to advance drive for helping me complete my artic training. I cannot recommend the company highly enough my instructor was Lee and he was very professional and thorough through out my training and gently pushed me to my Limited in order to get it across the line. Galway is a busy city and I was not familiar wit it but with the help of Lee all went well. The company's communication is also top class and with prompt reminders for upcoming lessons I found it let's the training flow with nothing to worry about I have to thank Aoife for this. Also big thanks to Gerry for getting it off d ground. 5 star company Many thanks Tony
April 30, 2025Co clare

"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

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

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