Fit and proper person check: VIO endorsements

Being endorsed to recover vehicles, be a driving instructor or be a testing officer puts you in a position that people need to trust. To make sure people are safe while using these services in New Zealand, we check and monitor the background of anyone applying for a V, I or O endorsement. This is part of our ongoing commitment to road safety and improving driving standards on our roads.

You need to apply for your endorsement at a driver licensing agent before we can start the fit and proper person check. 

This background check (vetting) includes:

• transport-related offences – especially safety

• serious behaviour problems

• past complaints about a transport service you may have operated

• not paying fines for transport-related offences

• criminal convictions for serious offences in New Zealand, including charges and convictions for violence or sexual offences, drugs or firearms offences, or organised criminal activities.

Once you have your endorsement, we use real-time data to make sure you continue to meet our fit and proper person criteria.

Go to the NZ Police website(external link) for more information about vetting.

If you have any concerns about the check, we recommend you seek independent advice.

When can the check be done?

You must apply for your endorsement at a driver licensing agent first. Then we start the fit and proper person check.

You may want to make sure you meet the fit and proper person criteria before doing the required course. If you choose to do this, you can either:

• wait for the result of the fit and proper person check before doing a course, or
• complete an approved course while you wait for the result of the fit and proper person check.

What happens once the check is complete?

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.

If you meet the fit and proper person requirements, and you’ve already completed the course and passed the practical test, we’ll approve your application and send your new licence to you.

If you’re waiting for the fit and proper result and haven’t completed the tests or course yet, we’ll send you a Notice of determination which is valid for 90 days. You can then complete your courses or tests. If the notice expires before you finish the relevant courses or tests, call us on 0800 822 422. 

How much does it cost?

The police vetting costs $9.70 each year and is included in your endorsement application fee.