The I-endorsement course
Who is this for?
The I-endorsement course is the official NZTA accredited course that all drivers need to complete before applying to become driving instructors in New Zealand.
The benefits of getting the I-endorsement
The I-endorsement is added to your driving licence and allows you to earn an income by working as an instructor and teaching other people to drive.
The I-endorsement on your driver licence allows you to apply to become an AA Driving Instructor and work as a licensee in the AA Driving School network in New Zealand.
Become an AA Driving School Licensee
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 $5,499 (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 | Pre-course driving assessment completed by | Full course fee due by (cut-off date) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 2024 | 26 February - 8 March 2024 | 7.30am-4pm | 15 January 2024 | 17 January 2024 |
| April 2024 | 29 April - 10 May 2024 | 7.30am-4pm | 18 March 2024 | 20 March 2024 |
| June 2024 | 24 June - 5 July 2024 | 7.30am-4pm | 13 May 2024 | 15 May 2024 |
| September 2024 | 2 September - 13 September 2024 | 7.30am-4pm | 22 July 2024 | 24 July 2024 |
| November 2024 | 11 November - 22 November 2024 | 7.30am-4pm | 30 September 2024 | 2 October 2024 |
Wellington (Paraparaumu) two week I-endorsement course
| Month | Dates | Time | Pre-course driving assessment completed by | Full course fee due by (cut-off date) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | 8 April - 19 April 2024 | 7.30am-4pm | 26 February 2024 | 28 February 2024 |
| September 2024 | 16 September - 27 September | 7.30am-4pm | 5 August 2024 | 7 August 2024 |
Christchurch (AA Sydenham) two week I-endorsement course
| Month | Dates | Time | Pre-course driving assessment completed by | Full course fee due by (cut-off date) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 2024 | 26 February - 8 March 2024 | 7.30am-4pm | 15 January 2024 | 17 January 2024 |
| May 2024 | 13 May - 24 May | 7.30am-4pm | 1 April 2024 | 3 April 2024 |
| August 2024 | 19 August - 30 August 2024 | 7.30am-4pm | 8 July 2024 | 10 July 2024 |
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.
