The PLE (Personal Learning Edition) is Infinite and does not expire.
http://www.e-onsoftware.com/try/vue_6_ple/

I am using it in conjunction with VUE 6 Revealed by Richard Schrand and it seems to be an excellent way to learn the program. There are differences between the versions and the book focuses on Infinite but I think it would still be very useful. I find it usually frustrating to just dive into an unfamiliar  and difficult program without some guidance so this is working for me.