It took five months from my first flying lesson (see
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...ghlight=lesson ) and just over 30-hours instruction before I was able to solo. Consider the plane rental is $95/hr (includes gas) and instructor time is $50/hr and you get a feel for how much I've invested so far.
One of the hangups for me was getting the necessary 3rd class medical certificate. My age and health history required I get letters from my physicians (3 of them) ... you can probably guess how long it took to get those and have them reviewed by the FAA bureaucracy. Once that was out of the way and I fulfilled the necessary paperwork steps (FAA knowledge test, pre-solo written exam, special training for the Washington DC airspace that I fly in), it was a matter of proving to my instructor (and the airplane's owner) that I was ready to solo.
Surprisingly, I wasn't nervous at all with the solo. After a few times around the pattern with my instructor on board, he got out of the plane and let me do three takeoffs and landings on my own. It was just like all the other takeoffs & landings I've done, except that I didn't need to worry about my instructor telling me during the downwind that my engine had quit, or the flaps weren't working
My suggestion if you're really thinking about taking lessons: checkout the flying schools in your area. If you find one that looks good to you, sign up for a demo flight and see how you like it. Be candid with the instructor about your concerns, listen to what he has to say, and then make a decision.
