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`

Great team Philip has put together 💪 they cover every aspect of training. Everyone is nice and friendly and top professional at what they do. Big thanks to Noel for the 20 hours of lessons in the rigid, I passed 1st time with all your help 💯👊 mirror's indicate repeat 😁😁 thanks to everyone on the team from Frank and Trevor on the forklift course nice one lads 💪, Tom on manual handling 📦😁, Ronald on cpc great communication 💯 Aoife always making sure we have everything ready organised and on time💯👊 and Gerry making sure everything and everyone getting it done 🫡 and everyone else I didn't mention thanks again 👊 Brian Feeney
August 11, 2023Galway

Having resently passed my driving test for category "D" Bus Licence, I would just like to thank Advance Drive for all the tuition and instruction that I received in preparation for the driving test and also the bus case studies exam. Ronald was on the mark as usual for the possible case study questions that might come up on the day of the test and passing on all that knowledge. Thank you Ronald so much. As far as my bus driving skills needed to be brought up to a high standard in order for me to pass the test, I have Mike to thank for all his patience and professionalism. You got me to that level required to pass. Thank you for everything Mike. Thanks also to all the staff for all the planning of lessons and date fixtures. Thank you all so much. Advance Drive is a very professionally ran training school, with the very best instructors. Highly recommended.
August 7, 202466 Dun Na Mara Drive Renmore Galway

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'd like to thank all at Advance drive for there constant support and guidance on completing the HGV, rigid truck course through GRETB, and Advance drive. Thanks to the front office team Aoife and Co. Thanks to Philip and Gerry and all the team excellent job great company all round and Thanks to all the forklift instructor's Mark and Tom. And especially to my driving instructors Martin and Dessie and a big Thanks to Dessie for getting me over the line with your relaxed informed composure and clear instructions throughout my last few lessons big shout to Dessie, Thanks a million. And a huge thanks to my instructor Mike for the hour lesson before my test he made me totally relaxed and gave me great confidence, a true Gentlemen and a great Ambassador for Advance drive. Kind regards To all at Advance drive. Highly recommended Conor Walsh
May 20, 2025Dunmore Co Galway

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 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

Passed the bus test first time. Advance Driving made that happen. They organised everything and there is no way I would have done it without their assistance advice help and instructions. Aoife and Emma- thanks for all help with lesson times. Lectures Ronnie and Tom, some day I hope to be as knowledgeable as ye guys, unreal. I've a long way to go tho. Denis- a very big thank you for your expert instruction on driving. You were brilliant. Thanks Advance again . Highly recommend Advance
July 28, 2022

Here’s a warm, natural, all‑positive review you can post anywhere. Tone is friendly, appreciative, and personal — exactly what you asked for. --- ⭐ Warm Review I had a genuinely great experience with Alan Skerritt. He was always calm, patient, and very supportive throughout every lesson. His explanations were clear and he made me feel comfortable even in situations that usually make learners nervous. You can tell he really cares about helping his students improve. Thanks to his guidance, I felt confident on the road and ended up passing my driving test on the first try. I’m truly grateful for his help and highly recommend him.
July 27, 2026Galway

Many thanks to Garry at Advance Drive who prepared me for my driving test. I passed first time with Garry's help. He is really patient and puts you at ease. His calm and friendly nature takes the stress out of driving. Garry is very knowledgeable and has great tips for making you a safe and confident driver. I would highly recommend Advance Drive to anyone learning to drive. Many thanks to the office staff also who are very organised and make every effort to accommodate all appointments. Grainne
December 12, 2016

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

Having recently completed and thankfully passed the Rigid Truck Course, I would just like to thank Advance Drive for all the excellent tuition that we all received while on the the course. I would particularly like to thank Martin for his patience and his great instruction with the driving lessons. Thanks also to all the Admin staff as always, for keeping everything on track and running smoothly for us throughout the course. A truly exceptional experience. Thank you all so much.
August 30, 2024Galway

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

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

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

Passed my driving test after few hours with Vas from Advance drive. He is absolutely amazing! So much patience and understanding! Due to covid, my learning lasted 2 years, I changed 4 different instructors from different driving schools. Vas made it all possible, I wouldn't be driving without him! School is great too, every contact to book lessons and make payment was easy and straight forward. They sent all materials on email. Very helpful and friendly! Thank you all ❤️
September 15, 2022Galway Westside

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

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

- 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 would like to say a big thank you to all at Advance Drive for helping me pass my class C driving test. Always professional and courteous. For all you aspiring truck and bus drivers out there I would definitely recommend Advance Drive so mush so I can't wait to do my artic training with them as soon as I get my provisional license. And finally a big thank you to my instructor Dezzie who's cool and professional manner during my lessons helped to put me at ease, fair play to him he only had to step on that emergency break a few times, again a big thank you to all, stay safe and hopefully see you soon for the next stage.
August 12, 2020Galway

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

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