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 $5,999 (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 | Pre-course driving assessment completed by | Full course fee due by (cut-off date) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 2025 | 24 February - 7 March 2025 | 7.30am-4pm | 13 January 2025 | 15 January 2025 |
| 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
| Month | Dates | Time | Pre-course driving assessment completed by | Full 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
| Month | Dates | Time | Pre-course driving assessment completed by | Full 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.
