UK DL sequence of events

I know this has been discussed here before, But can somebody lay it out for me because I'm a little slow. 

What is the order that things must happen in when getting a UK drivers license? 

I know you must:
pass the theory test
get a provisional license
pass the driving test
send your passport away for a while

Anything I'm leaving out? What order do these come in? Especially, where does the sending your passport away figure in since I am making travel plans for the summer that can't really be changed.

Thanks for helping me out. I'm only a stupid post-grad student; I can't keep track of complicated things like this.
(Actually, maybe I'm training for being an absent-minded professor. My wife's already there.  )

Get your provisional license (get the application from the post office, have a picture taken and verified by someone and send it all in with your passport) - you'll have your passport back quickly - I sent it in with a return overnight envelope and had it back within a fortnight.
Pass your theory, hazzard and driving test
Upgrade your license to the "real deal"

Good luck!