Current application processing timesTo help minimise delays, please ensure you submit your application as early as possible.
Check the table to see how long it will take us to process your application. |
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To conduct practical driving tests you must be employed by or contracted to NZTA, its testing agent, or the NZ Defence Force.
Before applying for the testing officer (O) endorsement you must have proof of employment with one of the above agencies.
If you’re not sure whether you need an O endorsement, please call us on 0800 822 422, or contact any NZTA office.
You must also have an O endorsement on your driver licence before you can start conducting tests.
You must have held a full New Zealand car licence (class 1) for at least 2 years
You’ll need a medical certificate (unless you’ve provided one to NZTA in the last 5 years)
You’ll need a current passport or New Zealand driver licence, or another form of acceptable evidence of identity.
To get an O endorsement, you must have held a current full New Zealand driver licence for at least 2 years.
Holding an equivalent overseas licence doesn’t meet this requirement. If you’ve held an overseas licence, you may be able apply for an exemption to get your overseas driving experience recognised.
You must also hold each class of licence that you want to conduct tests for. For example, if you want to conduct class 2 tests, you must have a class 2 on your driver licence.
Your application will be sent to NZTA so that a fit and proper person check can be done. This will check on things like transport-related offences, criminal convictions and past complaints about you.
Further information about the fit and proper person criteria
Commercial drivers must be in good health. We want to make sure you won’t cause a crash through health-related issues when you’re responsible for the lives of passengers or driving large vehicles on public roads.
Ask your doctor to complete a NZTA medical certificate for you.
If you need a medical certificate, you must provide it when you apply for your endorsement at the agent. If you don’t, your application will not be accepted.
Good vision is essential to driving a vehicle safely. You’ll need to provide proof your vision meets the standards for safe driving.
You can start certification training once you’re employed.
It’s the responsibility of the testing agent to provide you with the testing officer’s manual and to train you to conduct tests properly and meet the standards required.
You’ll need to show your understanding of the driver testing requirements by successfully completing the certification testing administered by NZTA. This involves sitting and passing a range of theory and practical tests on procedures, conducting and marking practical tests. The testing agent will arrange for you to sit the tests when you’re ready.
If you want to, you can make your application before starting the certification training. You can then do the training while the application is being processed (it can take up to 10 working days).
If you’re not sure whether you might pass the fit and proper person check, you can choose to make your application and have the check done first. If you pass the check, you’ll be sent a Notice of determination to let you know, and you can then do your certification training.
You can’t start conducting tests just because you’ve got the necessary certificates. You must successfully complete the application process and get the O endorsement added to your driver licence first.
You can choose to get your endorsement for 1 year or 5 years. The application fee is the same no matter which term you choose.
|
Term |
Application fee |
Vetting fee |
Total |
Certification fee |
|
1 year |
$188.90 |
$9.70 |
$198.60 |
$476.30 |
|
5 years |
$48.50 |
$237.40 |
Your application will be sent to NZTA for processing, and so we can do the fit and proper person check.
If you’ve given us all the information we need and you meet all the endorsement requirements, your application will be processed within 18 working days.
If you haven’t given us everything we need, or you haven’t met some requirements, your application will take longer to process.
If your application is granted, your new licence showing you hold an O endorsement will be sent to you. You must not conduct practical driving tests until you get your new licence.
If you don’t meet the fit and proper person requirements, we’ll tell you in writing and give you a chance to explain before we make the final decision. If we decide to decline your application you can appeal our decision to the District Court.
Use our online tracking tool(external link) to view your application status:
| Status | What does this mean? |
| Received | We’ve got your application, but we haven’t started working on it yet. We’ll send you an email to let you know it’s been received. |
| Gathering information |
We’re waiting for something. For example, we could be waiting for vetting information from the police, or reviewing your medical certificate. We’ll contact you if we need more information from you. |
| Processing | We’ve got all the information we need, and we’re now assessing your application. |
| Completed |
We’ve finished processing your application.
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Download Factsheet 48: O endorsements – how to become a testing officer [PDF, 237 KB]
Download Factsheet 66: Driver licensing courses for licence classes and endorsements [PDF, 237 KB]
