The schools in the USA also don't bother with the "met before solo, nav before x-country solo" quasi-rule
Probably something I should ask my instructor, but is there a rule like this in the UK?
I've done 9 hours and my instructor says I'm almost ready to go solo after some EFATO practise and a few more circuits. I have my medical but as yet have sat no exams - I didn't intend to until I'm a lot closer to achiving my 45 hours (as this may take some time) but if I need one to solo now then I better get a move on!
(FYI I've read the books, and used the educational CDs from Oxford Aviation so I have the basic knowledge, just don't have an exam pass to prove it...)