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`

Advance Drive was a great option to complete my EDT in the way to obtain the Irish driving license. Very responsive and proffesionals, Emma and Aoife were great in supporting the classes scheduling and booking the car for the day of the test. For me it was very valuable the offered service to book the same car to take the exam. My instructor Pat was brilliant and patient in guiding me in the introduction to Ireland's driving rules and correcting me some bad driving habits!. He gave me very good tips, that I took, and I am very happy to have passed the driving test today!
August 23, 2021GORT

I passed my driving test (car) first time. I can not thank Advance Driving enough , i started my lessons with corey , and i finished my lessons with Declan. I highly recommend Declan as a driving instructor. Declan will always encourage you and support you along the way. He will make your driving experience enjoyable. Dont worry about making mistakes ,Declan is very experienced and highly skilled, you are in safe hands. Great tip : Do a lesson before the test or do a pretest or both, it helped me hugely. I would like to thank everyone at Advance Driving . The women in the office are so lovely and so pleasant to talk too that they will always do their best to accommodate ya and all the staff are very friendly. I promise you won't be disappointed doing your lessons with Advance Driving, it was worth every penny. 💯
October 26, 2023Galway

I cannot stress enough on how useful the EDTs as well as practice sessions have been for me. Simon and Brian gave very insightful feedback. The last few sessions with Flan were extremely helpful and he took great pain in helping me with the GMIT roundabout as well as with the reverse around the corner. The office staff is brilliant in handling all the requests, cancellations and rescheduling of the sessions. The entire team is highly professional and supportive.
January 17, 2022Galway

Finally passed my driving test yesterday. Could not recommend Advance Drive enough, my instructor Vas was incredibly patient and could always tell me exactly where I was going wrong and what I needed to do to fix it. He was so terrific and professional and told me exactly what I needed to do to get my license. Driving did not come naturally to me at all and I had absolutely no experience driving a car before starting lessons. Even so, I always felt comfortable and never worried that getting my license was unachievable, as the lessons were really tailored to what I needed. The Advance Drive team we’re always lovely to deal with if I ever had to call them for anything. Definitely will be recommending
February 18, 2020Galway

I am really happy for passing my driving test. Of course i would not have a change passing without Martin my instructor. A massive thanks for this man. I never drove in my life and also never had experience in driving at all until I started my lessons at Advance Drive School. I remember how bad i was with my driving skills. I was scared and afraid of driving too. But Martin supported me from the start and gave his best to help me to improve my skills and my confidence. During my lessons i could learn so much and practice a lot. Every 2 hour lessons helped me to build my confidence and fix all my mistakes. I just wanted to say big thanks for Martin and for the whole team at the office. You all deserve the best, because you take care of us so well. Honestly, Advance Drive is a high level top school.
July 18, 2022Galway

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

I’d like to say many thanks to Declan, Aoife and Carla of Advance Drive Galway. What I’ve noticed from Declan’s teachings is that he is incredibly patient and he helps you understand exactly what you’re doing incorrectly in a calm and understanding manner during the EDT and extended lessons prior to my driving test. I highly advise newcomer learner drivers to select Declan as their driving instructor. Thank you Declan and best of luck in your current and future endeavours.
April 29, 2025Galway

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

Just passed my D1 (minibus) test and CPC today on my FIRST attempt. My instructor Anton was very professional through the whole process and can't credit him enough on having me prepared, he is a great instructor and made the process very smooth and enjoyable. The team in the office were very supportive in assisting with the application process from Theory test to Driving test. I'd happily recommend Advance Drive for anyone who is looking to learn drive any vehicle.
September 3, 2021Athlone

- 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 passed my truck C test yesterday. I never drove a truck before and did seven lessons with Advance Drive instructor PJ Dunne. PJ’s tuition was 10/10, excellent, extremely professional. He is very personable and puts you at ease. His extensive experience is priceless, and he weighs your capabilities instantly and focuses on your weaknesses. He also drills you on the headline Health and safety and has his easy-to-follow notations to program you in good practice. The test is difficult, I was pushed on every element during the test. The lessons got rid of my years of ‘bad habits’ driving a jeep. During the test, PJ’s advice loud in my head at every junction, tight corner squeezed road due to road works, looking ahead to preempt potential hazards all came together the day of the test. When the examiner spoke to me briefly after the test, she said – ‘You must have been driving a truck for a while.’ That is a testimony to how good Advance Drive is and Instructor PJ Dunne. I highly recommend Advance drive for any of your driving lessons. In house Aoife, who had to account for my few cancellations, is very professional, friendly, and polite. An extremely efficient, professional business. Lessons are essential to pass this test and I highly recommend Advance Drive-An effective team. Peter
November 11, 2022

"Highly Recommended" I highly recommend Advance drive to every person out there who is willing to obtain their licence in any category. I've gained new driving strategies and techniques, driving with discipline that helps you to be a safe driver on the road in different traffic conditions. Noel my bus instructor was very knowledgeable and professional and helped me relax through what can be very stressful situation - thanks ADVANCE DRIVE for helping me obtain my Bus licence .
August 18, 2021Ennis

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **5 Star Review for Advance Drive** I would highly recommend **Advance Drive** to anyone looking to start a career in bus driving. I was lucky enough to be taken on board for a **10-week bus driving course**, and during that time I gained so much knowledge, confidence and valuable experience. The course covered so much, including **bus driving, first aid, manual handling, career planning and job-seeking skills**, which has really helped prepare me for my next step. A special thank you to **Evelyn**, who was absolutely brilliant in helping me with my career planning and job-seeking skills. She was so supportive and encouraging throughout. I also want to say a huge thank you to **Mike, Vincent and Ronald**, who were absolutely fantastic teachers. They were so patient, supportive and encouraging and helped me learn, improve and build my confidence in driving buses. I couldn't have asked for better instructors. And finally, thank you to **Philip** for introducing us all to Advance Drive and giving us this fantastic opportunity and Aoife who was excellent on emails communicating and making sure everything was right along with the other girls so many to mention I also want to thank **everyone at Advance Drive** who helped and supported me throughout the course. There is a truly fantastic team there, and everyone played their part in helping me get to where I am today. I feel so lucky and proud to have **passed my bus driving test**! 🚌🎉 It has been an amazing 10 weeks, and I am so grateful for all the knowledge, support and encouragement I received along the way. I’m now really looking forward to **what lies ahead and starting this exciting new chapter**. ❤️ **Thank you, Advance Drive, for everything! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐**
September 24, 2026Galway

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 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

I was very nervous when starting to learn to drive a bus. I had never driven a bus in my life! But the training and instruction I got was excellent. The information and advice I got from Vincent during the lessons on the road, were very accurate, and he made me feel completely at home when driving the bus. Because of him I felt quite confident the day of the test, and so was delighted when I passed! with only one tick against me. I was absolutely delighted and really appreciated all the effort the Advance Drive Team gave to me. I would recommend them in a heart beat.
February 13, 2019Moylough

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