UK license before 12 months is up

In November, I'll have been living in the UK for 12 months. I still have my US license (not expired). What do I need to do to apply for my UK license? I intend to take some lessons and definitely study this mon, but I'm not sure what exactly to do/who to call, etc. as far as taking the tests and getting the actual license before the upcoming anniversary. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022561 This is all I could really find about it and it's quite vague. Can anyone tell me the specifically what I need to do (or point me in the direction of a site that can)? Thanks!

First you need to apply for your provisional license (through direct.gov.uk)

When you have that number you can schedule your tests.

It's worth trying to get the provisional licence and the tests sorted out as soon as you can - you have to have taken and passed the theory and hazard perception tests before you can book a practical test and you may find there are waiting lists for available test appointments (depending on the test centre you are using). When I got my licence in 2001, I had my practical test booked in early April, which I failed and then had to wait 2 months for the next available date (June). Then I failed again and had to wait until early August for the next test date. However, on the morning of the test, they called to say that the examiner was ill and it was postponed by another week! Luckily I passed on the third attempt, but it took 6 months from booking my first practical test (February) to actually passing the test (August), simply because there was a 2-month waiting period for each appointment at my test centre  .

You and I are on the same timetable. It'll be a year for me at the end of November, too.

So far, I've bought a DVD to study and I've had one lesson. The second one is tomorrow. I've also driven for an hour or so with my husband, which is definitely helping. Haven't done the theory test yet or gotten my provisional.

I'll keep an eye out for your progress...

The first thing you need to do to get the ball rolling is request a D1 application form pack for a provisional license (learner's permit):

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_10012514