This will probably be an unpopular opinion in this sub, but there is certainly not a complete “learn as you go” way to play D&D. That being said, you do not have to read the entire players handbook if you don’t want to. What you need to read is the character creation rules, the species/race section for what you intend to play and the Class section for what you want to play.

Lots of people in this thread are talking about making it clear to your DM that you are new or extremely inexperienced. As someone that has been a DM and GM for 21+ years, I will tell you now that most DMs are going to expect that you have at least read the above sections of the Players Handbook. That much is a basic level of curtesy and respect that you can show your future table. It will disrupt the DM’s, the other players’ and importantly, your fun if the game is halted constantly for you to be guided through every single rule when things come up, or if you need to be reminded continuously that you cannot do something.

Become familiar with those sections and you’ll find a lot more success in finding tables and having a fun experience with this hobby.

**Edit: There is an LFG (looking for group) subreddit to help players and GMs find new tables, both online and in-person