Gene,
Go here:
http://www.cobratrader.com/registrationCA.html
It gives you the name of each form that you need to fill out (which you can download from the DMV site) and it gives you the number of the DMV memo that tells the clerk how to enter everything in the computer. They'll give you a temporary operating permit that's good for about 2-3 months and they'll expect you to complete the CHP and BAR visits by then. I suspect you can get a couple of extensions though.
Chris