Mazzy,
The FRTOL and the PPL are separate things, both issued by the CAA. You can get a PPL without getting an FRTOL - I know at least one person who is in the situation. This allows you to fly non-radio. (Legally, without even listening in... but hey!)
I am not aware of anybody having obtained an FRTOL without getting a PPL too, and I'm not even sure you can do so. The CAA may well only allow you to apply for an FRTOL if you have, or are simultaneously applying for, a PPL. Like I said - I don't really know.
As I said before, the chances of anyone catching you are pretty small. If you have a transceiver (i.e. the ability to transmit) be careful not to accidentally do so, because they WILL track you down, and you WILL be in trouble!
And if they do catch you listening in, and you point to your on-going PPL training, I would expect the worst outcome would be a slap on the wrist. But, then again, I'm not the CAA!
TPK
