I wouldn't suggest learning all the theory and finger exercises yet, even if they're more benificial they're rather boring and tend to discourage people starting out, just learn a couple of your favourite songs if capable, get to know the basics, for gods sake start off without a pick, picks should only be used or certain songs. harden your fingers up a bit and to be honest....i wouldn't bother with lessons, with internet forums and free youtube celebrity lessons, i don't see the point in paying these days, which kind of puts me in a rut for work but still...
eventually when your comfortable enough with your playing to play something along the lines of lets say er....can't stop by the red hot chili peppers, then i'd suggest working on strengthening your speed and acuracy, Bill ****ens has this wonderfull method of practicing usin the buddah rope, i'd look up his lessons on youtube eventually for practicing finger techniques, learn theory in snippets, learn the string and note names, as you progress learn new techniques, major minor scales, and probably best actually sit down and learn the modes in as short of space of time as you can, although it can take some extreme determination. Which is why i never bothered learning them. :D

learn the bass lines to some of your favorite songs, (from tab or by ear) then play along with the record. this helps prepare you for jamming with other people.

I'm not a bassist, but I'm inclined to agree with little bits and pieces of everything that has been said.

First and foremost, only take formal training if that's something that you really feel a calling to do. If you can pick up the basic techniques on your own, from there, you're really in control of how masterful you get. Sometimes formal training can cause you to lose sight of the main goal and get caught up in how boring some of the rudiments can be. If you want to become a virtuoso at some point you'd want to learn from the best but you should have no problem getting good enough to hold your own.

However, I wouldn't downplay the importance of the rudiments. After all, they are the backbone of even the most simplistic songs. It's no fun to say that you can play most of a song, except for its signature lick that requires a technique you struggle with. As silly as this sounds, you should study a little bit of music theory, enough to know scales and chords. You should develop a warmup routine- nothing intense if that's not what you want to play. Make a game out of it- for viola, I actually enjoyed working on just a two-octave D major scale until I could play it in sixteenth notes at 156 beats per minute. (That's not a super-impressive feat but it's just an example.)

Just remember that you're the one who knows what kind of music you want to play. If it ever gets boring or frustrating, there's nothing wrong with backing off and getting less strict in your routine. Keep your eyes on the prize, obviously, but define for yourself what your prize is.

well i suggest starting off with basic technique such as scales and open string stuff
I know its boring but getting a good foundation is important and getting it done early is better than fixing ur technical errors laters

Bass
 

I think a important part of anyones playing is to be able to do so with other people.

Get jammin with buddys as soon as you can realy will improoves your playing and whole musical awareness, whilst also being realy fun.. providing they understand your going to make mistakes being new an all.

drop tune to c, join a grindcore band, and make millions by playing one note.

Try and play with other musicians as often as possible, especially if the've been playing longer than you.
Not only will your playing improve more quickly, it will also motivate you.

Something I still do, after over 30 years of playing, is get out the CD's and jam along - learn something from them you've not played before.

practice alot, get lessons, listen to music with good bass, watch live performances of those artists. works for me.

read tabs, learn theory, Observe artists/bands and learn how to compose music, and PRACTICE!!!

Learn to play the bassline on "Little Green Bag" by George Baker selection.