content: Tests are sometimes given by local ham clubs and they love getting new hams ready to go.  I got my license early last month and was able to easily get accustomed to using 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands.  I paid $65 for my radio (Baofeng BF-F8HP from Amazon), but there are cheaper Baofengs out there which transmit at 5 watts versus my 8 if you are looking to save a few dollars.  This is the best tutorial I found, even if its laid out in a crappy way: http://www.eham.net/newham/