Do I need a special license for a motorcycle?

Do yourself a favor and take a MSF course. Their fundamentals teaching is second to none and can even teach a thing or two to those who already know how to ride. Not only that, but coupled with your permit that you already have, you only have to take (again) the DMV written test to get your permanent endorsement. The road skills test of the MSF course will stand in place of the DMV road skills test, for which you have to provide your own bike, inspected, insured, etc. MSF provides you motorcycles to ride and you also get a break on insurance for completing the course. You will not be allowed to test ride a bike with a motorcycle permit. You need the endorsement on your license, and the MSF is the easiest way to get that without actually owning a bike yet.

Used to live in Washington state. Now back home in Cali. You need a class M license, with your class C or B, A. With out that.... No motorcycle legal driving.

Yes, you need a motorcycle endorsement, which gives you a class M license.