A couple of years ago the water pump on my 2013 diesel Octavia started leaking and the mechanic recomended I have the Drive belt done at the same time, which i did.

 

Is the drive belt the same thing as the timing belt?

Yes, normally it is 

the auxiliary belt just drives alternator and air con compressor 

if the water pump fails it can be very expensive and engine damage can occur.

you have to remove timing belt to change the water pump  

 

It is the same thing. 

 

My 2013 water pump also failed and started leaking, Skoda dealer basically said to pay Skoda's fixed timing belt + water pump price of £489 at the time. 

That was late 2017, so my timing belt is due replacement by end of this year if according to Skoda's 5 yr recommendation. Something I don't plan to do as it has seen such low mileage (<40k). It'll only need to last until end of this year when it will be sold on, eagerly awaiting my Model Y.