i would finish all free videos in the topics you like. there is currently an on-going free whole series of 30 days to laravel: https://laracasts.com/series/30-days-to-learn-laravel-11
there is no judge or a test and you do not have to rewrite all the code yourself. if you get the concepts and pick up a tip here or there, that is completely fine. i personally like the way things are explained in the videos. if you like it and it gives you something, then go for a subscription. but i suggest to wait for some kind of a deal (black friday and so on) to grab the lifetime subscription with a nice discount. but shhh, do not tell anyone;)