The I-endorsement course is an official NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) accredited course that you need to complete before applying to become a driving instructor in New Zealand.
The course combines theory and practical in-vehicle components to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to teach learner drivers and support safe driving on New Zealand roads.
The course is suited for candidates that would like to become qualified driving instructors or wish to pursue a career in driver training.
The course will give you an in-depth knowledge of New Zealand’s driver licencing system, the driver training industry and road rules.
Course content:
The I-endorsement course at AA can be completed in Auckland (Mt Roskill), Wellington (Paraparaumu), and Christchurch. The enrolment requirements are:
The course fees for the I-endorsement course are $5,999 (including GST). The fees must be paid at least 6 weeks before the course commencement date (cut off date) for the course that you will attend. The course fees include:
After successfully completing the I-endorsement course you will be able to apply to have the I-endorsement added to your licence through NZTA. This application is a separate process and cost from the course.
You will also need to pass a Fit and Proper assessment by NZ Police. If you have concerns about this please contact NZTA before enrolling in the course.
Auckland (Mt Roskill) two week I-endorsement course
| Month | Dates | Time | Completed by* | Full course fee due by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | 13 Apr - 24 Apr 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 27 Feb 2026 | 2 Mar 2026 |
| May 2026 | 11 May - 22 May 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 1 Apr 2026 | 8 Apr 2026 |
| Jun 2026 | 15 Jun - 26 Jun 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 1 May 2026 | 4 May 2026 |
| Jul 2026 | 20 Jul - 31 Jul 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 8 Jun 2026 | 11 Jun 2026 |
| Sep 2026 | 14 Sep - 25 Sep 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 3 Aug 2026 | 6 Aug 2026 |
| Nov 2026 | 16 Nov - 27 Nov 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 5 Oct 2026 | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Feb 2027 | 15 Feb - 26 Feb 2027 | 7.30am-4pm | 4 Jan 2027 | 7 Jan 2027 |
| Apr 2027 | 5 Apr - 16 Apr 2027 | 7.30am-4pm | 22 Feb 2027 | 25 Feb 2027 |
| Jun 2027 | 24 May - 4 Jun 2027 | 7.30am-4pm | 12 Apr 2027 | 15 Apr 2027 |
*Pre-course driving assessment completed by
Wellington (Paraparaumu) two week I-endorsement course
| Month | Dates | Time | Completed by* | Full course fee due by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2026 | 3 Aug - 14 Aug 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 22 June 2026 | 24 June 2026 |
| Sep 2026 | 31 Aug - 11 Sep 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 20 Jul 2026 | 23 Jul 2026 |
| Nov 2026 | 2 Nov - 13 Nov 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 21 Sep 2026 | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Mar 2027 | 8 Mar - 19 Mar 2027 | 7.30am-4pm | 25 Jan 2027 | 28 Jan 2027 |
*Pre-course driving assessment completed by
Christchurch (AA Sydenham) two week I-endorsement course
| Month | Dates | Time | Completed by* | Full course fee due by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | 11 May - 24 May 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 27 Mar 2026 | 28 Mar 2026 |
| Aug 2026 | 17 Aug - 28 Aug 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 6 Jul 2026 | 9 Jul 2026 |
| Oct 2026 | 12 Oct - 23 Oct 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 31 Aug 2026 | 3 Sep 2026 |
| Dec 2026 | 30 Nov - 11 Dec 2026 | 7.30am-4pm | 19 Oct 2026 | 22 Oct 2026 |
| Mar 2027 | 1 Mar - 12 Mar 2027 | 7.30am-4pm | 18 Jan 2027 | 21 Jan 2027 |
| May 2027 | 3 May - 14 May 2027 | 7.30am-4pm | 22 Mar 2027 | 25 Mar 2027 |
*Pre-course driving assessment completed by
Please note: Enrolment close-off dates are strict as there is a minimum of 4 weeks required to complete the pre-course work.
Please be advised that there are changes to the refund rules in the event of cancelling your place on the I-Endorsement course.
More than 6 weeks prior to course commencement date: Full refund
4-6 weeks before course commencement date: Partial refund dependent on return of unused course materials
Less than 4 weeks before course commencement date: Non-refundable
An administration fee of $200 applies if you apply to transfer to another course more than 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the course.
You will not be able to transfer to another course less than 4 weeks before the course commencement date and you will not be able to apply for a refund.