I wouldn't worry too much about flying with someone who has just qualified as (a) their skills will still be fresh and (b) they will, hopefully, be conscious of the fact that they are newly qualified, and will be extra careful. New private pilots are probably safer than those who have flown for many years but fly infrequently. (And I am talking as someone who falls into the latter category)

As for operating the radio - I don't know what rules are like in the USA, but here in the UK you need a licence for that.

Enjoy your flight!