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`

You can't go wrong with Choosing Advance Drive The entire Team are so helpful and will do their best to get you where you need to go. I recently passed my Artic Licence first go and it's all thanks to Noel my instructor he is incredibly patent and will explain everything in great detail and knows excatly how to guide ya through the process and he is also great craic most fun I had while learning also he has a great way of making it feel so chill and relax. If you are considering a company for HGV licence you won't find much better. Thanks again Noel and all the team in Advance
April 20, 2023Galway

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

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 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

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

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

Sailed through my Artic Truck test thanks to Philip and his brilliant, assuring and dedicated teaching. These guys really know their stuff and tutor you very professionally AND calmly! (this is most important, especially when trying to reverse a 35FT trailer around a corner!) When it came to seeking a professional driving qualification and after doing my research and getting info from all the other 'instructors' I am really delighted to have gone with Advance Drive - they're my No.1
April 30, 2014Nicholas

I would highly recommend Advance Drive and in particular my instructor Pat in Galway. I was taken through all the requisite skills in great detail, i.e clutch control, observation and road positioning etc, such that I passed the test without any problems and felt no nerves on the day. I thank my instructor for his expertise and for sharing his knowledge of how to perform in the test on the day. His instruction really matched all the requirements of the test and made the experience much easier, as well as successful. Highly recommended.
June 26, 2025Galway

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

Mid 40s and passed my test first time, now I can drive my 9mth old baby myself. Thanks to Martin teaching me while I was heavily pregnant and after I had the baby, his infinite patience and tolerance kept me going. Thanks to Corey for my lessons nearing test time, a kinder man you could not meet, super with "how to's" that I could understand. Carla was so good at accomodating me while on maternity leave, juggling a newborn and lessons. Thanks team Advance drive. Kate
July 18, 2023Galway city

"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 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 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

I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone involved in Advance Drive for their continued support and guidance through the Bus Driving D course which I have just completed and was successfull in passing my bus driving test.From Emma & Aoife on the phone as well as in the office who were very curtious and accompanying with everything, Gerry & Philip for their words of encouragement, Ronald for the online classes explained everything to detail and ensured we knew everything we needed to know about the Bus, Evelyn for giving me a better understanding about how to present a CV and a Cover letter, The First aid Course which was of great benefit, Lee who is an outstanding instructor, THANK YOU for your encouragement and believe in me from day one, i would also like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Patricia in gretb for her continued support over the past few years in getting me over the line eventually, absolutely delighted I got the opportunity to take part in this course and I wish you all the very best for the future 😀 you are a great team
July 7, 2021Circular road Galway

Today I achieved a big dream—I passed my Category C driving test! 🚛🎉 I would like to sincerely thank the entire team at my driving school for their professionalism, patience, support, and dedication throughout this journey. You played an important part in helping me achieve this milestone. I’m truly grateful for every lesson, every piece of advice, and all the encouragement you gave me. This is the beginning of a new chapter, and I’ll always appreciate everything I learned with you. Thank you so much! Wishing you continued success in helping many more people achieve their dreams. #Grateful #CategoryC #TruckDriver #NewBeginning #Ireland
June 26, 2026

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

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

- 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 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

passed my test first time with advance drive for my c1 licence , I can’t thank Lee enough for his patience and guidance throughout my lessons . Lee was a very thorough instructor and prepared me for all eventualities and explained everything so well . He was extremely understanding , professional and never made me question my ability. Mike was also very helpful for my pretest , he was very friendly and eased my nerves a lot , delighted to have got the experience to learn from both Lee and Mike , could not recommend them enough , Thank you so much !
April 23, 2024Galway

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

091 524 689

Request a call back!

Training

`Testimonials`

Twitter