You can apply for your Provisional Driving Licence 3 months before your 17th Birthday (16th if you receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance) but the Licence only becomes valid on your Birthday.

To apply for your Provisional Driving Licence use Form D1 available from Post Offices or online at www.direct.gov.uk/motoring. The Provisional Driving Licence costs £50.

You can book your Theory Test once you receive your Provisional Driving Licence but you cannot take the Theory Test until the Provisional Licence is valid (i.e. your 17th Brithday).