Simple answer is - yes.
I started mine in July 2001 and finished in October 2001. I've known people ot do it in a month. Remember it's only a 45 hour (minimum) course and it's quite realistic to complete it in that time, wether permitting. Even if you do it at weekends and can get an average of a couple of hours per weekend, it's not going to take all that long.
Allow time for studying for the written exams (bad weather days are good for this) and get them out of the way as soon as you can.
As for costs, it's sensible to think of around £6000. That will cover your lessons plus equipment, test fees etc.
If the 2.5 hours you have done were with an instructor, you can count them towards the 45 hours of the course.
