Federal regulations require a minimum of 40 hours total flight training, and half of this must be solo flying time. These hours, however, were established decades ago, when lightplanes were far less sophisticated and flew slower, traffic was lighter and there was less need to know air traffic control procedures. These days, most students need another 20 to 30 hours of experience to gain the competency needed in today's airplanes and airspace system. When training is completed, you will take a flight test from an FAA-designated examiner. With satisfactory performance, you then win your private pilot certificate.
Most local airports have flying schools.
These academies are referred to as ab initio schools, and concentrate specifically on professional flying. Many of these ab initio flight schools are divisions of colleges or universities offering degrees along with pilot certificates. Your initial flight training will require at least the better part of one afternoon a week, and three to five hours of home study per week. At this rate, you should earn your private pilot certificate in about one year. Many people find their training gains efficiency by flying twice weekly.