^^THIS

I can't even begin to count the number of people that I failed on phase checks because they didn't know what the FARs were and couldn't look up even the most basic of information.

The FAA books contain all the information you will need to know for your checkride - they are, by definition, THE source material for all written and practical exams. They're also surprisingly well-written for government publications, and they're free! Definitely a win-win.

To the OP, here are a couple links to get you started:

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_polic...lane_handbook/

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_polic...ilot_handbook/

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse (electronic version of the FARs, the book version is much easier to use, but these will ALWAYS be the most current)