N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 15, § 2.4 – Issuance of student certificates.

(a) The superintendent, principal, or chief administrative officer must, if student certificates are desired, submit a complete list of names of all students expected to complete the course successfully. This request should be on forms prepared and furnished by the State Education Department. This form must contain the names, addresses and dates of birth of all students whose names appear on the list, also the number of hours of classroom instruction, the number of hours of in-car observation, and the number of hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. This list must not contain “nicknames” or abbreviated names. Motor vehicle issuing offices will not honor student certificate (form MV-285) when holder applies for license unless proper name appears on form MV-285. This list should be forwarded approximately four to six weeks prior to close of semester to the Driver Education Unit, Department of Motor Vehicles, Swan Street Building, South Mall, Albany, NY 12228.
(b) A student certificate (form MV-285) will be forwarded by the department for each student listed. Forms MV-285 will be blank and must be prepared by the school for the superintendent, principal, or chief administrative officer to countersign preparatory to distribution to students. Numbering of forms MV-285 may begin with number 1 each semester or may run continuously from semester to semester, at discretion of the school.
(c) After student certificates (form MV-285) have been completed, numbered and issued, the following information must be added to the original request which was returned to the school with the blank certificates from the department:
1. (1) number on form MV-285 issued to each student;
2. (2) passing grade of each student;
3. (3) the name of any student failing to complete the course shall be crossed off the list and unused form MV-285 returned with final report to the department;
4. (4) fill in date of issuance of forms MV-285 in proper space on form;
5. (5) return form with unused forms MV-285, voided or spoiled forms MV-285 to the driver education unit, Albany, for filing.
(d) Failure to return this list will be grounds for refusal of any student certificates until compliance has been made with this procedure.