Do I need to take a behind-the-wheel test to get a driver's permit? license?

I live in California, and I'm 16. I think I have to take the signs test, and then they give me a learning permit..but I do NOT want to take the behind the wheel test afterward. Do I have to do this in order to obtain a license? What about if I'm 18, do I still have to take the behind the wheel test?