In Florida all you have to do is take a four hour drug and alcohol course and a road signs/rules test. You can do both on the internet. There is no actual driving involved in getting a permit.
Search online to find the specific rules of getting a permit in your state.

Permit is usually a euphemism for learner’s licence. You have to pass a written test, and, depending on jurisdiction and your age may have to complete a certain number of class hours. You have to have the permit to learn to drive, indeed to take your actual driver’s test when you are ready you need the permit or you can’t drive for the test.

Depends, in Illinois there is a written test that you must pass along with a vision test.
This is given a while before you take the class. This way people have their permit before they have “behind the wheel” in order to get practice. The last “btw” is a practice exam before you go to the dmv.