Which drivers license should I get?

Hello there, the question may not make much sense, but here we go, I am from Oregon, 17 yrs old and turning 18 in December. Now, I have a permit, but it expired on 7/23/12. I am getting it renewed (getting a new one) because i need it to take a driving test to get a PROVISIONAL drivers license. How ever, after i renew my permit, i must have it for 28 days before i can take the test. which will bring me to about 8/14/12. then i gotta wait for an open apt. which is usually scheduled about 2-3 weeks away which will then bring me to 9/4/12. That's the date when i can get it. My main question now is, is it worth getting and paying the fee for the provisional drivers license while I'm 3 months away from being 18, or should i wait till i'm 18 to get the drivers license? I just don't wanna pay so many freaking fees (test fee, new permit fee, provisional drivers license fee, etc.) What should i do?

Thanks in advance!:)