The comments made by Gorilla, and A and C are not borne out by my own experience, although they may have a far greater knowledge of the norm than I do and if I were you, Bigfoot01, I wouldn't get too hung up by all the axe grinders on prune who seem to delight in trying to ridicule and embarrass others, especially those who dare to be less experienced and worldly wise than they are.
Incidentally, I sent a licence application off to the CAA on 21st Dec 2008 and received a receipt/payment made notification dated 23rd Dec 2008 on Christmas Eve. CAA was closed from 24th Dec until 5th Jan 2009. I received my licence, dated 8th Jan 2009, together with my log book by recorded delivery on Saturday 10th January 2009.
I think that is pretty good service. Well done CAA