The I-endorsement course

Turn your driving skills into a rewarding career

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.

What are the benefits of getting the I-endorsement?

  • Earn an income by working as an instructor and teaching other people to drive 
  • Upskill and open new career opportunities 
  • Gain recognised NZTA and NZQA qualifications within the driver training industry 
  • Make a difference by teaching safer driving in your community 
  • Become an AA Driving Instructor with the AA Driving School network as a service provider, or operate independently as your own driving instructor business. 

Who is the I-endorsement for?

The course is suited for candidates that would like to become qualified driving instructors or wish to pursue a career in driver training.

i endorsement course at AA

What is included in the I-endorsement course?

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:

  • Driving assessment before course begins
  • Reading material before course begins
  • In-class theory-based training and assessment
  • In-vehicle coaching techniques
  • Appraisals of tuition and assessment skills

Enrolling in the I-endorsement course

The I-endorsement course at AA can be completed in Auckland (Mt Roskill), Wellington (Paraparaumu), and Christchurch. The enrolment requirements are:

  • A full New Zealand licence for at least two years
  • A driving assessment in a manual vehicle with an AA approved tutor (a separate $150 fee applies).

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:

  • Pre-course reading material
  • Tuition
  • Training materials
  • Road codes
  • Theory test papers
  • Mirror and backing board

Getting the I-endorsement added on your licence

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.

I-endorsement course dates and times

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.

Course cancellation

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

Transfer of course

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.

i endorsement course at AA