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) and Wellington (Porirua).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 $100 fee applies).
The course fees for the I-endorsement course are $5,499 (including GST). The fees must be paid before the 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2022 | 25 July - 5 August | 7.30am-4pm | 13 June 2022 | 17 June 2022 |
| November 2022 | 31 October - 11 November | 7.30am-4pm | 19 September 2022 | 23 September 2022 |
| February 2023 | 13 - 24 February | 7.30am-4pm | 28 December 2022 | 30 December 2022 |
| May 2023 | 1 - 12 May | 7.30am-4pm | 20 March 2022 | 24 March 2023 |
Wellington (Paraparaumu) two week I-endorsement course
| Month | Dates | Time | Pre-course driving assessment completed by | Full course fee due by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2022 | 19 - 30 September | 7.30am-4pm | 8 Aug 2022 | 12 Aug 2022 |
| May 2023 | 15 - 26 May | 7.30am-4pm | 3 April 2023 | 7 April 2023 |
| June 2023 | 12 - 23 June | 7.30am-4pm | 1 May 2023 | 5 May 2023 |
Christchurch two week I-endorsement course
| Month | Dates | Time | Pre-course driving assessment completed by | Full course fee due by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 2023 | 27 February - 10 March | 7.30am-4pm | 16 January 2023 | 20 January 2023 |
PLEASE NOTE: Enrollment close-off dates are strict as there is a minimum of 4 weeks required to complete the pre-coursework.
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.
The tables below set out the refund rules in the event of cancellation:
| Cancellations | |
|---|---|
| Cancellation date | Refund |
| Two weeks before cut-off date | Full refund |
| One week before cut-off date | 50% refund |
| Cancellations - after course cut-off date | |
|---|---|
| Course Type | Cancellation Fee |
| All courses | Non refundable |
| Changes - Transfer of course three weeks before cut-off date | |
|---|---|
| Course Type | Administration Fee |
| 2 Week Course | $200.00 |
