If you have a motorcycle license but not a motorcycle, do you have to pay insurance?

My parents don't want to let me get my motorcycle permit because of the insurance. However ... if I got the permit, I would not be buying a bike, I would be riding someone elses ... occassionally. It's basically just to learn to ride until I turn 18. So ... would I have to pay insurance with just a permit, even if I didn't have a bike? (BTW, the bike I would be riding is insured, and I already have my drivers license)

The best person to call is your parents insurance agent. It may vary from state to state but I really doubt that they would require you to carry insurance on something you don't own just because you have a license.