How should I disclose any prior criminal activity?

You must disclose any prior criminal convictions or pending criminal charges on your license application.
If you fail to do so, you risk having your license application denied by the DRE.
There is a section on the License Application titled 'Background Information', which asks a series of questions regarding criminal activity. If you answer "Yes" to any of the questions, you must fill out the "Conviction Details" section of the application. This is where you will provide a detailed description of your past or pending criminal charges.