Thanks a lot VH-XXX for the detailed information about aircraft hiring. It seems fair that they want to see how you perform before handing you their airplane, so that is fine I think.
About the price of the PPL, I am not going to save a few dollar over important things, but just want to know if there is any alternative on other "not so important" things so I can cut the cost a bit. Considering this is just for fun and I am self-funding, I am looking for the best value for money. However, instructor is utmost important, I do know that.