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`

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 cannot stress enough on how useful the EDTs as well as practice sessions have been for me. Simon and Brian gave very insightful feedback. The last few sessions with Flan were extremely helpful and he took great pain in helping me with the GMIT roundabout as well as with the reverse around the corner. The office staff is brilliant in handling all the requests, cancellations and rescheduling of the sessions. The entire team is highly professional and supportive.
January 17, 2022Galway

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

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

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’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

Hi All, I just want to thank Dezzie and all the team at Advance Drive for helping me pass my Class B driving test last Monday in Westside Galway. Overall, I did 17 lessons with Dezzie in the Ford Fiesta and I found him to be extremely friendly, professional and knowledgeable at all times, and I can definitely say that he has the patience of a saint. As such, I can't recommend Advance Drive enough and I know that I would not have passed my driving test first time round without Dezzie's expert help. Thanks a million Dezzie.
April 30, 2014Brendan Kelly

I would like to take this oppertunity to thank Philip and all the gang at Advance Drive. I had Noel as my instructor, he was absolutely brilliant. Fantastic with the rules of the road, reading the road, correct road position and so on. From a complete novice in an artic truck to passing it first time was all down to his excellent teaching and patience. Thank God he had a lot of patience ..... I would highly recommend Noel as an instructor and Advance as a great place to learn how to drive. From the girls at receiption to all the instructors, they could'nt be nicer. Thanks again Noel .....top man.
April 6, 2023Galway

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

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 24, 2023Galway

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

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

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

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

Passed my c license on my first try today. I would to thank the whole team at advance drive for there dedication on helping me pass my driving test I would like to give a special shout out to my driving instructor dezzie who made every thing very simple for me I would recommend you guys to everyone and anyone who is wanting to learn how to drive a truck or a car you get a big 10/10 from me. Also I would like to thank Mike Rice for his kind words today thanks so much Darren Jennings
May 1, 2024Galway

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

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