RE: Question: How many get past the first trainer?
As a beginner myself, let me add a couple things to the list of skills that a trainer should teach you:
1. How to safely fuel, start, tune and work around a glow engine.
2. How to safely work a pattern at a busy airfield, and airfield ettiquite.
3. how to perform basic maintenance on your airplane (hopefully not how to do major rebuilds!)
4. How to relax and have fun.