You can get a form for a provisional driving licence from the Post Office. You have to have a licence before you start your lessons and before you are allowed to apply for your theory test.

You can obtain your provisional licence before your 17th birthday, but you are not allowed to drive on the public highway till you are 17.

Once you have passed your practical test you will be sent your full licence automatically. You are allowed to drive while you wait for the full licence to come through.