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A simple Technicaians class ham radio license is about $14 and the book you can get from the library or buy it for $24. Tests are administered at most libraries and fire stations almost every weekend. Anyone can pass the Technician’s license, 7 year olds have done it. It will let you on all VHF/UHF and some HF bands. 1-3 weeks part time study for about 20 hours total and you’ll probably ace the test.

Step up to a General class license again for $14, book for $24. This time you’ll need about 100 hours self study and some electronics principles to get by. That license adds most of the remaining HF bands the Technican’s license doesn’t give you.

Step up to an Extra class, the highest class, license again for $14, book for $24. This time you’ll need about 100 hours study and a bunch more electronics principles to get by. That license adds the remaining HF bands the other licenses don’t give.

The books explain most of everything including the electronics, regulations, principles, rules, procedures, most everything.

There are no morse code tests anymore. All tests are simple multiple choice of about 35 questions, and passing is 70%.

There will always be more to know but those tests will set you on the road to success.