Be at least 17 years of age at the time of the Practical Flight Checkride.  You may begin training at any age before that.

Be able to read, write, and converse fluently in English

Obtain at least a third-class FAA medical certificate & Student Pilot Certificate

Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course

Pass a knowledge test with a score of 70% or better.

Accumulate appropriate flight experience

Receive a total of 40 hr.(Part 61) or 35 hr.(Part 141) of flight instruction and solo flight time and demonstrate skill

Successfully complete a practical (flight) test given as a final exam by an FAA inspector or designated pilot examiner and conducted as specified in the FAA’s Private Pilot Practical Test