Hey galleygirl,
as far as I can understand your posting

you're wondering how PPL distance learning works.
Well, you get the books, do it yourself, then you have only a few hours (less than normal but not zero as far as I can remember) in the classroom and you can go to the authority to do the exam.
No prob in general, basic maths and physics is helpful.
If you have any friends to discuss some open questions - excellent.
Of course, the full theory course in the classroom would be more comfortable if you have the time and money.
Have fun

!