To apply for a Provisional License:
complete a D1 form available from the Post Office: send it to the DVLA with the fee, your passport or birth certificate, and a passport-sized photograph.

Apply online.  How to apply: video.

Apply for your licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday and you could book your lesson for the big day!

How many lessons will I need?
Driving Standards Agency research shows that the current average is 47 hours of tuition, with an additional 20 hours private practise to pass. I will give you an idea ofhow many you are likely to need after your first lesson. You can help keep this low by taking more than one lesson a week and/or taking longer lessons.

Driving eyesight requirements.  Directgov.

Before you start to learn to drive, make sure you know the eyesight rules and are able   to comply with the requirements.   -  Try this eyetest simulator.