it took me 6 years to get my BB, but at my shcool we only have testing every 3 months and if my instructor thinks that you are ready the she puts you on the testing list if not then you don't get put on. I also started when i was 9 so i took a while, but also the shortest that i have seen someone go from white to black has been 4 years b/c after you get to first gup you need 4 evaluations before you are recomended for the regional Dan test and the evaluations only happen after each gup test. I personly like it b/c it lets you really get the matterial down and not just the movements but a good portion on the philosophy as well.