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 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

Philip is an absolute genius when it comes to driving and answering questions you ask there is absolutely nothing he doesn\'t know, done 3 tests in a year rigid, coach and artic yesterday 1st oct with nearly a clean sheet only 1 fault due to another very unprofessional bus driver. how good is that for a result driving a truck with a 35ft trailor thanks to the expert tuition from Philip. impossible to fail. why go to an apprentice when you can learn from a professional cheers philip
April 28, 2014Lorcan Warde

I have just completed the 10 week category D driver training course with Advance Drive. I would highly recommend the company and the course to anyone. The staff are so welcoming, friendly and very professional. Everything is cover from, First Aid Responder, Manual handling, Case studies and CPC practical training along with the driving test itself. My instructor "Mike" is a pure gentleman and has the patience of a Saint he made me feel at ease right from the start. As a transgender woman I'm always ony guard but it absolutely was not an issue from the get go. I will highly recommend Advance Drive in Galway to everyone.
April 22, 2023

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 just completed a 10 week GRETB bus drivers course. The course was managed and run by Advance Drive Galway . The course included ten two hour lessons. CPC training,first aid responders course and lifting and manual handling course. Advance Drive are a very professional organisation. There staff and management were very friendly, supportive and efficient in everything they did. My instructor for the 10 weeks was Vincent Jennings. He was an excellent tutor with great patience. He really prepared me for my test, which I passed on my first attempt. I would highly recommend Advance Drive for anyone considering bus driving as a profession.
April 25, 2023

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

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

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

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

Just passed my driving test. Could not have done it without the help and support of Advance Drive. My instructor, Adam, was fantastic. He had so much patience with me and never did I feel under massive pressure. He really helped me get to grips with areas I was having great dfficulty with. He had faith in me when I didn't and that meant the world to me. Also helped bring my stress levels down so a massive thank you to Adam. The people in the office were always exceptionally kind and friendly to me and for that I say thank you so much. Really appreciated. Overall I really enjoyed working with Advance Drive. Would recommend them to anyone who would like to learn to drive.
March 16, 2022Galway

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'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

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

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

Delighted to pass my Category D Bus test on my first attempt. Thanks to all at Advance Drive, a professional company who ate to be highly recommended. A special word of thanks to my fantastic instructor Noel. Noel is professional, knowledgeable, informative and good craic too. On meeting I was immediately put at ease and what followed was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. If you want to learn to drive and pass your test, Noel is the instructor you want to book. Thanks also to Emma and Aoife in the office who were always very helpful in answering any queries I had.
January 13, 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

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

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

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