AAT Level 2: Do I have to register with a training provider to register with AAT

Hi, I am toying with the AAT route rather that CAT with ACCA (not sure why yet) but note on AAT's website that in order to register with them I will need to have a training provider and a student number. Does anyone have experience of learning via books from home and opentuition only, no training provider??? If you do then how will I register with AAT for my exams? Many thanks in advance Howard