While learning to fly, I personally would recommend that you use the schools equipment till such time as you are sure you wish to continue.
For all disciplines (HG, PG, NL, ML) learning will entail practical lessons and theory lessons from a registered and HGFA instructors at an approved training facility.
These approved schools and instructors must undergo continual renewal and checking of skills and competencies.
The practical lessons are to familiarize you with and allow you to become competent in the control and knowledge of how to fly your chosen flying machine, and how they work and behave under various conditions and attitudes.
The theory for HG/PG/NL/ML is to give you greater understanding of how your aircraft work and the types of things you need to be aware of and why you should be aware of them. This helps tremendously with the practical understanding.
You will cover other issues that also include meteorology, rules and regulations, navigation, radio etcetera.
Learning NL will include practical which will be done under the supervision of an instructor and could involve activities such as