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`

The Team at Advance drive are a 1st class team from the moment you enter the premises to every detail of your lesson. Everything is covered and perfected to make your driving lesson experience a easy an enjoyable way to learn to drive and successfully pass your test. The instructors are experienced and know exactly how to deal with every driver. From the unexperienced 1st time driver to the experienced professional driver. They will bring you through to successfully pass your test. I have experience with Advance for almost 20 years and have successfully passed all my driving test 1st time with Advance drive . Bus and Rigid. Next up Artic lessons and I am confident that Advance drive will get me successfully through this test also. Well done all at Advance drive
March 9, 2021Galway

I want to say a massive thank you to the Advance Drive team, especially Martin and Aoife. Firstly, every time I contacted advance drive I was greeted by Aoife who went over and beyond to help as much she could in regards to lessons, booking me in, changing slots and replying to emails. However, I owe a huge thanks to Martin, my instructor for all my 22 lessons! From start to finish he gave it his all, and I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher. He made sure I was all set for my test, which meant first go I passed with flying colours! I highly recommend him, and advance drive overall, and wish them the very best.
July 15, 2022Galway

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

I highly recommend Advance Drive for their professional service. Having never driven a large vehicle before, from day one my bus driving training with Mike was excellent! Initial nerves were soon put to rest and I felt at ease with his guidance and his great wealth of experience as we progressed with the driving training program and preparations for the CPC. I passed both my D driving test and CPC first time! Thank you to Mike, Ailbhe and the team at Advance Drive!
February 2, 2015Claregalway

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

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 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 am delighted that I passed my category D1 mini-bus test today (09/02/16). I can't praise Dezzie in Advance Drive enough for his excellent tutoring. He had me thoroughly prepared & fully ready for my test. He put me at ease & gave me confidence. Thanks Dezzie. I also passed my BE jeep & trailer test & my Category C rigid test in the last few years after receiving lessons from Advance Drive. I would highly recommend Advance Drive to those looking for driving lessons in any vehicle category.
February 9, 2016Brian Mullins

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

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 have been a client of Advance drive since 2022. With the guidance of the very professional team at Advance Drive, I have passed my bus, rigid and artic driving tests and CPC tests.I could not recommend Advance drive highly enough, the instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and make the learning process very easy with the whole operation being expertly organised by Aoife. A special mention for Noel, Martin and Dezzie for all of their advice and guidance. Thanks to you all.
May 29, 2025

I was Delighted to pass my Category D Bus test on my first attempt yesterday Thanks to all the guys at Advance Drive, they are a very professional set up and I couldn’t recommend them enough . I have to give a special mention to Gerry who was my instructor, Gerry is a professional who knows his job inside out and gives great confidence and self belief, he is also good fun and gives a relaxed feel to the whole experience, I think I will be hearing “Mind that tail swing and mirror mirror” in my sleep for the next ten years! Thanks also to Aoife, Alilbhe and Emma in the office who were always very helpful when I was looking for any information. Overall I would highly recommend Advance Drive to anyone wishing to learn to drive or add a new category to their license.
March 3, 2022Galway

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

A massive thanks to Vincent who was my instructor on the bus course, Vincent was easy to get on with, his knowledge and encouragement made me feel at ease from the very first lesson to the pretest. Passed on my first attempt... Huge thanks also to Aoife, Carla, Ailbe, Gerry and Ronald and all the background team with Advance Drive, Fabulous team effort from all at Advance Drive to get learner over the finish line.. Highly Recommend Advance Drive Team Thanks a mill guys!
May 14, 2025Claregalway

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

I got my rigid licence with Martin first go and couldn't be happier. Kept on my toes but also in the present moment where cool heads prevail. Made sure I was ready to pass and I did so thanks for that Martin you're a legend! As is the Advance Drive team with Aoife and Ailbhe who really kept things ticking along with great communication so you always know what's happening and when. Thank you you're the best! A positive experience from start to finish. Highly recommended!
January 11, 2024Galway

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