Do I need car insurance if...?

Insurance covers vehicles, not people. Until you have a license you can not be added to your parents car since you are never alone in it with only the permit.

You do not

Permitted drivers drive under the owners insurance because they are the licensed drivers in the car.

"YOU" don't need insurance. Why? Because automobile insurance isn't purchased for people. Automobile insurance is purchased for vehicles. Simply make certain that any vehicle that you ever drive is properly insured.

Will people ever understand the basics of automobile insurance ?

Yes you do, but not under your own policy. Your parents' car insurance will cover you, as long as you have their permission to drive.

In Arizona, each driver, even a learner, must be named on at least one policy in the household.

The car needs to have insurance that covers you diving it.

Yes. If you live with your parents, you have to be listed on their policy.

No, YOU don't need insurance. It's your parent's car. THEY need insurance, and THEY need to discuss their insurance needs with their agent.

No, you don't, but your parents must have you added to their policy as a "named insured driver" or you and their car won't be covered if you have an accident. They can expect their rates to double with you on their policy, so if you have a job you should offer to pay the difference.