Free class would be a great idea. I bought a handheld about a year ago on eBay. With the intent to get my license. Until I started recearching the test. It will take ALOT of studying to be able to pass the test. Time I just don't have right now. I got mine basically for SHTF time. In that case a license probably wouldn't matter. From what I read if it's a case of life & death your allowed to transmit without consequence but that's about the only time. You can download an app for your phone to help study for the test. Give it a look!