I will be commuting to school and I know parking spaces are limited and I do not have a car yet but I know I will get one so my question is do I need to already have a car to apply
Probably because they need the plate number.
You need a car and a extenuating reason for getting a permit. You are applying very late for a pass so it’s unlikely you’ll get one at this point. This should have been done in May.
^^^ Are you sure? This site says applications begin July 3 for Fall 2017.
https://main.transportation.ucla.edu/campus-parking/students/student-parking-dates-and-deadlines
And for the OP, I agree with aunt bea - you probably need a license plate and car model/make for the application.
Application opens tomorrow