Built exactly like a car, complete with steering wheel, brakes and gears, drivers are gradually exposed to all sorts of conditions, from driving at night to rain and dense fog. They must achieve 80% in each module before they can move on, making it perfect for young learners but also for more experienced drivers who still have inhibitions.

"We've already had a huge amount of interest, especially with transition-year students and other pupils of local schools, " said Aidan Madden, managing director of the company, Sim2Learn.

"This centre is the first of its kind to offer everything for drivers starting to learn - theory test, rules of the road, simulated driving and road driving are all under the one roof."

For Euro350, drivers can complete an 18-hour programme, including theory learning, simulation and road driving with the centre's instructors.

Students can do six hours' theory and six hours' simulation for Euro150.

Sim2Learn plans to open seven centres around the country over the next four months and has targeted 55 locations nationwide for expansion within the next couple of years.

"We hope to have a good presence in all cities and most of the major towns over the coming period, 35 of which will be franchises, " said Madden. "We're also looking at negotiating a deal with insurance companies to discount drivers who have gone through the programme."

Truck-drivers will also soon be able to take part in the programme, with a simulated truck set to be introduced to the Galway centre this week.

"We're very excited about it, " said Madden. "When you're in the driver seat, you really feel like you're in a truck and it can even be a bit daunting. It's a great way for new drivers to get used to the feel of it."