Its just landings but they have to be recorded in your log book. Be it PIC or Dual.
There is nothing stopping you from flying but.......
Until you have the license in you hand you are still a student pilot.
So you can fly solo, do x-countrys etc with all the rules you had before the PPL test ie you have to get signed out every time no pax etc etc.
You will proberly get stiffed for dual but it's quite a good plan to not let your skills get stale while waiting for your license.
Nothing worse than having that first trip (After a quick check out) with a family member on board to discover that your a bit rusty.