N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 15, § 2.3 – Student requirements.

(a) Students must pass vision, knowledge and traffic sign and symbol tests given by the instructor before commencing the instructions. These tests shall be equivalent to tests given by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
(b) Students must not have any physical or mental handicap which would interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle. If in doubt, make inquiry of this department.
(c) Students must be at least 16 years of age.
1. (1) The Vehicle and Traffic Law requires that a person must be at least 16 years of age in order to legally operate a motor vehicle upon the highways of New York State.
2. (2) Under regulations established jointly by the Department of Motor Vehicles and State Education Department, students who are to be enrolled in driver education classes may not be given behind-the-wheel instruction until 16 years of age and must be 16 years of age on or before the following dates:
  1. (i) September 15th for those enrolling in the fall semester course;
  2. (ii) February 2nd for those enrolling in the spring semester course.
3. (3) Schools which during the regular school year offer approved high school or college driver education courses that are not operated on a semester basis must apply to the State Education Department for specific dates on which students must be 16 for entrance in the course. Such letters should be mailed at least three weeks prior to beginning of courses and should indicate when course begins, how long it will continue, and how time requirements are to be met.
4. (4) No exceptions will be granted to the requirements set forth in this section.