The I-endorsement course

The driving instructor (I) endorsement course allows drivers to become official New Zealand driving instructors and earn an income from teaching others to drive.

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.

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i endorsement course at AA 3

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 $5,999 (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.

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I-endorsement course dates and times

Auckland (Mt Roskill) two week I-endorsement course

MonthDatesTimePre-course driving assessment completed byFull course fee due by (cut-off date)
February 2025 24 February - 7 March 2025 7.30am-4pm 13 January 2025 15 January 2035
April 2025 28 April - 9 May 2025 7.30am-4pm 17 March 2025 19 March 2025
June 2025 23 June- 4 July 2025 7.30am-4pm 12 May 2025 14 May 2025

Wellington (Paraparaumu) two week I-endorsement course

MonthDatesTimePre-course driving assessment completed byFull course fee due by (cut-off date)
March 2025 3 March - 14 March 2025 7.30am-4pm 20 January 2025 22 January 2025
June 2025 2 June - 13 June 2025 7.30am-4pm 22 April 2025 24 April 2025

Christchurch (AA Sydenham) two week I-endorsement course

MonthDatesTimePre-course driving assessment completed byFull course fee due by (cut-off date)
March 2025 17 March - 28 March 2025 7.30am-4pm 3 February 2025 5 February 2025
May 2025 19 May - 30 May 2025 7.30am-4pm 7 April 2025 9 April 2025


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 2