Thanks for all the replies. I might go and sign up over at the united states forums but I think this will be more interesting to learn about flying in foreign countries from reading the posts here.
It is referred to as both a private pilot certificate and private pilot license. The short hand that a lot of people usually use is PPL not PPC. I think the term certificate is derived from the olden days when it was actually a paper certificate that you received. Now, after you pass your written and practical, you receive a temporary "certificate" until your permanent plastic private pilot license (or still certificate) comes in the mail (what a glorious day that will be when I get mine).
I understand that getting the little details right is of the utmost importance because getting a lot of little details wrong can end up accumulating to a big problem. I especially learned this after watching this series of videos
Although the video is really cheesy I didn't really understand how through one can be during a pre-flight check. I'm also going to start reading my checklist twice just to make sure I hit everything I need to.
My flying is still relatively uncoordinated. I've gotten good about using rudder while turning and such but I still have a nagging problem with maintaining a constant altitude during turns and maneuvers.
Also, if you're interested in how the FAA exam process works...here is another video I found of an FAA oral examination. It looks kind of old but it really gave me some good insight into what I will be facing when I start testing for my certificate.
Anyway, thanks for all the replies. I expect to be frequenting these forums quite a bit.