During the initial stages of flight instruction you will always be flying with a flight instructor.
You will be taught the basics of flight, including the operation of the controls, cruising level, circling, descending, turning, stalling, and take off and landings within a circuit pattern. You will be asked to carry out numerous emergency procedures and actions.
During this time you will be both consolidating your training and building experience in preparation for your first solo flight. It is likely that you will be ready to fly your first solo after approximately 10-15 hours of instruction. However, you will first be required to pass an examination on air law. Your first solo flight will involve taking off, climbing to circuit altitude, then flying the circuit, and conducting an approach and landing.
On completion of this first major goal in your training you will be given a certificate to mark your excellent achievement. When your flying has reached a certain level of consistency, the next step is to consolidate and build upon your confidence by gaining more solo experience. From this point you will focus on preparing for your first area solo, where your ability to fly solo outside the aerodrome circuit area will be demonstrated.
You will however remain within the training area (usually a ten nautical mile area around the aerodrome).