If you're a beginner, I recommend you use RailsTutorial, Sam Ruby, etc., and just skip over the tests. They're completely orthogonal to the app code so you won't have any issues completing the tutorials.
Later, you can add tests when you're ready for them. I think that once you have to make changes to a production app without breaking anything that currently works, you'll start wanting to use tests.
If you are a beginner like me, I agree. TDD looks scary and a huge time sink. But believe me, to stay in this game for a long haul you have to just bite the bullet and learn TDD. Or as OP has said, use RailsTutorial and skip over the tests. Once you are comfortable then you can always come back and add test module slowly, at your own pace.
Later, you can add tests when you're ready for them. I think that once you have to make changes to a production app without breaking anything that currently works, you'll start wanting to use tests.