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`

"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

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Advance Training Centre for their outstanding professionalism and support throughout my journey. They trained me to the highest standards and helped me successfully obtain my Category C and CE truck licences, and now my Category D bus licence. From day one, the instructors were patient, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to helping me succeed. Their guidance gave me the confidence and skills I needed, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the effort they put into every lesson. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me. I genuinely appreciate your hard work, encouragement, and professionalism. I couldn’t have asked for a better training centre! Highly recommended to anyone who wants top-quality training and real support on their licensing journey.
December 4, 2025Galway

"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

The in-house staff at advanced drive are very helpful, friendly and went out of their way to help me with any queries I had. Even if they did not have the answer at hand, they made sure to phone me back with the answer. It is a very professional and welcoming environment and despite the course being 3 months, it felt like 3 weeks. My instructor, Gerry Burke was a fantastic instructor. He was friendly, banterful yet firm and professional. We worked on the practical aspects of the bus course rigorously all while smiling and joking, and this ultimately made the test itself a breeze.
June 2, 2022Galway

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Advance Drive for guiding me through my bus driving lessons. Their professionalism and commitment to helping students succeed are truly remarkable. A special thank you to my instructor, Pat, whose patience, expertise, and encouragement made all the difference. Pat’s clear instructions and support boosted my confidence and skills, and I’m proud to say I passed my bus test today! I highly recommend Advance Drive to anyone looking to learn driving, especially those aiming for bus licenses. Thank you again for this amazing experience!
October 9, 2024Galway

I just passed my artic with Noel (and Lee for final lesson) It’s easy to see why advance are so highly rated, top class all round, from the girls in the office making booking lessons and tests a breeze to the excellent instructor's, the knowledge and experience they have made me feel at ease from the very first lesson to the pre test. I have passed all the categories on the licence first time with advance drive and they are the only driving school I would ever recommend to anyone. Keep up the good work guys and thanks again
April 15, 2025Galway

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

Advance drive team very Professional team When I meet this team first I had nothing only only car licence and now have bus and rigid lorry licence all thanks to Advance team Where I do I start I first met Philip and Ailbhe in Althlone when I went for my bus licence very Professional at the job . I went for my Rigid Lorry license went to galway to do it I met rest of the team very Professional staff Aoife and Emma are on front desk when walk in door u are Greeted with a smile All driving Instructor very professional. Their is no mark to grade the advance drive team very Professional and always go above the job to make fell comfortable to get your licence.
January 27, 2022Co Clare

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 recently successfully completed my class D driving test. Training was provided by Advance Drive. I was lucky to have been paired with Noel one of the many instructors for the duration of my training. It was an enjoyable experience. Noel was so knowledgeable and he punctuated each lesson with pearls of wisdom and advice. He broke the whole driving process down to make it more readily understandable. All of the staff at Advance Drive were so professional from the very first day. There was a steady stream of emails and text messages to remind you of your driving lessons. Nothing was left to chance during training. Top marks all round to Advance Drive and their staff. June 2024.
July 26, 2024

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'm euphoric, I passed the C Truck Licence which now allows us to head off into the sunset in our gorgeous huge camper van. Under Noel's tuition from Advance Drive every minute of every hour was spent learning and correcting and improving and more learning until we reached our goal. In my opinion Noel has the perfect balance - he brought a joyous ambience to the cab with his lovely lighthearted demeanour. He instilled a confidence in me and I always left the driving session feeling chuffed. Thank you Noel . Mary Clancy
June 21, 2022

Today i passed the Bus test on my first attempt.I also passed the Artic on my first attempt too with Advance. I would like to thank all the Management and Staff for their help and advice over the last few weeks. They have always been very helpful, professional and patient in their approach with students like myself. The 2 girls at front of house were always very helpful with any problem that had to be sloved. A big thanks to Noel for the Artic and to Mike for the Bus. I think that Mike has trained everyone that drives a bus or truck around Galway as everyone in a bus or truck waves at him every time. It felt like I was driving Michael D around waving at everyone. A great experience and one that I wont forget. What a brilliant company with wonderful personnel and I would like to wish them all the best in the future. I would hoghly reccommend Advance School of Motoring to anyone.
July 12, 2023Galway

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 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

My driving lessons were disrupted by the recent health crisis, but once I joined up with Advance Drive and my instructor Martin, I flew through my remaining EDT's. Martin was a fantastic instructor and made me feel very comfortable getting back to driving as I was quite nervous. After a few lessons with him, my confidence grew leaps and bounds and with just three extra lessons after the essential ones, I passed my test the first time! I would highly recommend Martin and Advance Drive to anyone no matter where you are on your driving journey. Thanks so much Martin, couldn't have done it without you!!
April 28, 2023Galway

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

091 524 689

Request a call back!

Training

`Testimonials`

Twitter