Mini Bus & Coach | Advance Drive | Driving School Galway

Bus

Mini Bus & Coach Lessons

Minibus ‘D1’ licence (Minibus with up to 16 passengers).

We have a Ford Transit minibus 2.5 tdi, 4,100kg gross vehicle weight. Very easy to drive, just a small step up from the car. Ideal for people who just need the minibus D1 licence. E.g. EMT’s / Paramedics going to drive an ambulance, Teachers or people doing tours or school runs.

For driving test applicants we offer a driving test course specifically suited to your needs covering all aspects of the minibus Driving test. To begin taking lessons in the minibus, applicants must hold a valid learners permit for the D1 license, for more information on how to get a learner permit and applying for your driving test, click on Useful info.

Coach ‘D‘ licence (Coach / Bus 53 passengers).

We have a Volvo Plaxton Premiere B10M . For applicants wishing to become professional Coach drivers there is no better way to learn than driving the tidy 10.1 meter Volvo B10M. A smart way of getting your full coach licence without the expense of extra lessons getting use to a 12 or 13 meter bus / coach.

The Volvo B10M has a manual ZF 6 speed gearbox which offers ease of driving and the drivers position gives great visibility. Under our tuition and guidance you will soon be on your way to your new career.

For driving test applicants we offer a driving test course specifically suited to your needs covering all aspects of the Coach Driving test. To begin taking lessons in the Coach, applicants must hold a valid learners permit for the D license, for more information on how to get a learner permit and applying for your driving test, click on Useful info.

For bookings and prices click on Contact Us and we’ll get right back to you.

Driver CPC Practical – Bus

`Testimonials`

I went to Advanced drive after they were recommended by a friend. I have now passed 2 tests with them (bus and truck) and can't praise them enough. Phillip and Mike are both very patient and encouraging during the learning process. During each pre-test lesson they re-assured me and gave me ways to deal with the test nerves. This patience,professionality and excellent prices, added to their felxibility in scheduling lessons make them my first choice for any more tests. well done lads
April 28, 2014Stephen Hand

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

(17/04/14) Looked at a number of other driving schools before choosing Advance Drive. I'm glad I went with my 'gut instinct' & chose this one. Philip did a great job of teaching me. I felt relaxed with him & learnt something at every lesson. He's patient, very astute (misses nothing!) a good communicator and great instructor. Managed to pass my driving test first time. I'm 'over the moon!' I would certainly recommend Advance Drive to anyone in the process of choosing a driving school. Thanks to Philip, Ailbhe & all at Advance Drive.
April 28, 2014Allison Barry

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

I can't speak highly enough of the team at Advance Drive, I passed the HGV rigid first time with the help of Vincent who was the instructor. He was excellent, very professional, understanding and skillful with the patience of a saint. Philip and Gerry were excellent, they were very helpful and went out of their way to to accomodate me. Finally Aoife, I can only describe Aoife as an absolute little star and a real gem for Advance Drive. I dealt with Aoife regularly and she was brilliant, extremely polite and courteous and just a real pleasure to deal with. Left no stone unturned to make sure everything was right. I would give them 10/10, would definitely recommend them if you want success and a good experience. Thank you very much Advance Drive :o)
September 17, 2019Roscommon

to all in advance drive i just passed my test in the ridget truck in roscommon and want to thank all in volved in getting me there from the class tutor james for hes passion and knowlage troughout the course great instructor thanks to shane and ollie for the help in getting us trough the forlift verry good instructors to gerry and aoife for keeping us all together thank you and all in the office to vincent my driving instructor he has a great way of getting you to do things the right way without putting you under pressure i felt relaxed at all times he is not afraid to tell you as it is but in a good way that does not take away your confidence hes top class i would recommend advance drive highly to anyone thinking of doing a driving course best regards to all REGIS GOLDING
February 14, 2020roscommon

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'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

I completed my bus licence back in January and rigid licence in May with Advance Drive. I could not be any happier with all of the staff that made it such an easy task in obtaining both licences. Thanks to Lee in helping me get my bus licence, who was so professional in explaining everything in great detail to me (never knew how much you need to look in the mirrors, but I do now) but never made you feel under pressure or nervous. Thanks to Vinny for helping me get my rigid who again made everything feel so easy and yet made me laugh so much. Would highly recommend either of these two lads to teach you in either bus or truck. Massive thanks to Philip and Ailbhe who both were so accommodating in providing both information and guidance anytime it was needed, espically for the CPC theory and practical. Seriously I have greatest respect for all of ye at Advance Drive, keep up the great work and best of luck in the future.
November 23, 2017Galway

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

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

Philip is an absolute genius when it comes to driving and answering questions you ask there is absolutely nothing he doesn\'t know, done 3 tests in a year rigid, coach and artic yesterday 1st oct with nearly a clean sheet only 1 fault due to another very unprofessional bus driver. how good is that for a result driving a truck with a 35ft trailor thanks to the expert tuition from Philip. impossible to fail. why go to an apprentice when you can learn from a professional cheers philip
April 28, 2014Lorcan Warde

Thanks to Corey for all your help and guidance throughout my driving lessons. Your patience, teaching, and advice were invaluable and made a significant difference in my learning experience. I was completely hesitant to even learn to drive, but your calm and encouraging approach ensured the whole process was a joy. Your expertise and reassuring demeanor made each lesson something I looked forward to, rather than something to be anxious about. I'm truly thankful for your dedication and the effort you put into helping me become a confident and safe driver. I highly recommend you to anyone looking to learn how to drive. Your professionalism and kindness make you an exceptional instructor.
June 14, 2024Bearna, Co Galway

"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'd like to thank the wonderful team at Advance Drive and GRETB for the excellent instruction over the past 10 weeks. The tuition was second to none. A special shoutout to the ever-parient and expert instructor, Mike, for his valuable help to ensure I passed my driving test to get the Category D licence. The result of a PASS is a testament of the service, the training, the appointments, and professionalism provided. I'd also like to give a special mention to my fellow students because the support and camaraderie was exceptional. Thank you!
December 2, 2024Loughrea

This week I passed my Driver CPC case studies and minibus driving test with advance drive. A special thanks to owner Philip and staff Ronald,Gerry, Emma and Aoife who are so professional. My instructor was a really special man Dezzie who is the best.....Dezzie you are the man! Looking back now that all this is done and dusted I cant believe how nervous I was but Dezzie stuck with me and rather than giving up he kept me going and going. Thanks a million Dez for staying with me and you words of encouragement. This school Advance Drive I highly recommend and is the best and keep winning those awards.
October 6, 2021Joe Duane

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

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

091 524 689

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