Saab Dastard, you were saying about taking your skills test before you're 17. You are actually able to do that, I took mine a few weeks before I turned 17. It's just that the CAA won't send you your licence or let you pick it up until you turn 17.
That allows the extra keen people to do everything before hand, and then go to Gatwick on their birthday to pick up their licence.
GWidgery