A good idea for a beginner, I think this is the right way to get to know more about trade then after it starts in real trading.
Yes, a beginner should start looking at the picture of trading first and on how risky it is through trying a demo account.
There are tons of simulations there and those two are just part of it. A beginner should need to experience real trading though but as part of it, they need to practice first or if they really are into risk taking, try to trade with a small amount.