Vehicle Recovery (V) Endorsement Unit Standard 17580

Course Overview
If you want to tow (or carry) vehicles for "hire or reward" you will need a 'V' (vehicle  recovery) driver licence endorsement.  The endorsement works with the class of licence you have - so if you are towing a car and the weight of your truck and the car you are towing will not be more than 6,000 kg all together, then you would be able to use your "V" endorsement with a Class 1 (car) full licence.

Most tow trucks are Class 2 - but if you want to drive a bigger wrecker, you will need a Class 4 or 5 licence as well as your 'V' endorsement.

This course also covers the requirements of Logbooks unless already held (no more than 12 months prior).

This endorsement will need to be renewed every five years.

Course prerequisites

• Have held a full Class 1 licence for at least two years 
• Pass a NZ Transport Agency Approved Course 
• Pass a Fit and Proper person check (also known as a vetting or Police check) - this is done when you apply for the endorsement at a driver licence agency (e.g. AA.) Note: there are additional requirements if you have lived overseas.
• Pass a NZ Transport Agency medical (unless you have done this for a driver licence within the last 5 years)
• Pass a full Class 1 (car) driving licence test with a testing officer at a licensing agency, e.g. AA (unless you have passed this test in the last 5 years)
  • Note: this is the same test as the Class 1 (car) full licence test - there is no special "V" endorsement test

NZQA Unit Standards

17580: Demonstrate knowledge of driver requirements for vehicle recovery.

24089: Demonstrate knowledge of fatigue management, work time, and driver logbook requirements (may not be required if completed within 12 months prior)

Attendance Numbers: Minimum 2 - maximum 6

Course Duration: Approx. 1/2-day V endorsement only (pre-reading required)

                            Approx. 1 & 1/2-days V endorsement and logbook (pre-reading required)

Course Location: TBC

Course Cost:  V endorsement only course $500.00+gst per person

                      V endorsement & Logbook $850.00+gst per person

Mileage: $100.00+gst to Auckland, Hamilton & Tauranga and .95c+gst per km everywhere else

(Minimum number charges will be applied if minimum numbers are not met)

For more information, please refer to the trainee handbook or the student information section of our website.