Agree with Brian.
Get the PPL done to have some background. 50 hours or so going into the study will really stand to you understanding some of the stuff.
As for distance learning, it's a toughie with the self discipline, but what most people do including myself. Using the Oxford books and can vouch for the fact that they're horribly over detailed and scare the bejaysus out of you for some subjects. Everyone I've talked to agrees that BGS notes are far better.
Study the material and set loads of time aside for doing all the questions out of the Bristol Question Bank and possibly the Italian one if you can get your hands on it, this is where you benefit the most - question after question after question.