The officer gave me a 30 day permit in place of my license. Does this mean my license is suspended?
No. At least not yet. This is where the "10 day rule" comes in. When the officer gave you the permit in place of your license he was making a sworn report to the Department of Motor Vehicles requesting your driver's license be administratively suspended for a minimum of one year. You have 10 business days from your arrest date to appeal this report and request an administrative hearing. If you do not request a hearing within that timeframe, you license will be suspended immediately on the 31st day after you arrest. An appeal can postpone a suspension and may possibly prevent any suspension from occurring. This hearing is separate from any criminal hearing and its only purpose is to determine whether or not your license will be suspended not your guilt or innocence for the DUI.