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`

My driving instructor was Declan and he is a very good profesional and knows his job well. He explains everything very clear and in a very understandable way and he has a great patience. He is a very good teacher. I have changed many different driving instructors. I can say, that Declan always gives a very good examples from everyday life . He taught me a lot, and I am very grateful for and I still can’t believe that I’ve passed my driving test. Thank you Declan for your help and patience Olga
February 27, 2024Galway

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 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 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

Passed my Jeep and Trailer test with my instructor Noel. From start to finish Noel was brilliant, clear instructions and very good knowledge of all aspects of driving with a trailer. I would like to thank Noel for all his time and hard work. Also the girls in the office were great and they kept in touch with me during the long wait for my test and always sent timely reminders of upcoming lessons. I will definitely be using Advance drive when I start my ridget truck license. Thanks again James Aherne
February 17, 2022Galway

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

Firstly I would like to say a massive thanks to everyone in Advance Drive. From day one the staff in reception especially Aoife & Carla have been very very helpful and friendly. Any queries I had were explained straight away and they were able to work around my schedule to fit lessons in. A massive thanks to Pat, Dezzie and especially Noel for all the training in my bus lessons. The lads were 100% and very professional in training. I would highly recommend Advance drive for all your lessons. Passed both my Truck & Bus test first time! Thanks a million to all the staff 👏
October 13, 2025

Amazing lessons, great instructors and a very central location in Galway city. This is definitely a 5 star driving school. Both office staff - Aoife and Emma were always on hand to organize lessons at very short notice along with being very helpful and professional. My instructors Lee and Anton were hugely influential upon passing my category C driving test. What you will learn from these two guys will not only benefit you during your driving test but also in your future driving life especially when it comes to your safety and well being on the road. No need to google anybody else - you have found the best instructors right here. Thanks all.
December 3, 2020Galway

Sailed through my Artic Truck test thanks to Philip and his brilliant, assuring and dedicated teaching. These guys really know their stuff and tutor you very professionally AND calmly! (this is most important, especially when trying to reverse a 35FT trailer around a corner!) When it came to seeking a professional driving qualification and after doing my research and getting info from all the other 'instructors' I am really delighted to have gone with Advance Drive - they're my No.1
April 30, 2014Nicholas

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

Can't thank the staff at Advance Drive enough, only for them I wouldn't have my truck licence. I would highly recommend them especially Mike (driving instructor), Trevor Bonner (Forklift instructor) and James Folan (Rules of the Road). Lee done most of my lessons, he's a strict instructor but good, always open to questions. I was fairly nervous on the run up to my driving test but Mike really helped, he gave me a mock test, it eased my nerves. I really enjoyed the HGV course. All the staff are lovely, very approachable and easy to talk to. I'd highly recommend Advance Drive, keep up the good work!
January 27, 2022

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’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

What are you waiting for, without delay get onto www.advancedrive.com right now or phone 091 524 689 or even email them at info@advancedrive.com - to get on the right road for a career in driving, all sorts of vehicles small, large, gigantic, forklift etc. If you want to learn how to drive safely go to them now you'll be glad you did! Pictured here Advance Drive's famous "Vinnie" professional trainer for truck bus cpc etc. There's nothing Vinnie doesn't know about safe professional driving and he has a mighty humour too, makes each lesson fun with suitable stories and driving tips to help you on the road, and Vinnie is only one of the many instructors at Advance Drive, all in all a mighty team at Advance Drive, the girls in the office work hard to assist as well, they understand the transport profession and will do all they can to help you. Good luck going forward, mind yourself on the road now, Johnnie T.
February 7, 2022County Crusheen

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