Do you need a Drivers license to operate the scooter I was out of California and you did not have to have a California license what is the law?

You need a valid California driver's license that is certified for motorcycles

While you do not need a motorcycle license to buy a scooter, register it or insure it, you do need one to legally ride one regardless of engine size. There are some "scooters" where you do not need a motorcycle endorsement, (gopeds and mobility scooters for instance), which are also sometimes called "scooters" and that is the reason for all the confusion. If you are over 21 you can study the CA DMV Motorcycle safety handbook online, walk in the DMV, take a multiple choice test and get a temp permit for one year. Within that year set an appt. with the DMV and take the skills test, (cones and the circle), pass that and you now have a M1. Under 21 must take the CA approved Motorcycle Safety Class which you can find online and are at many local colleges. These are excellent safety classes regardless of your age or how long you have been riding.

Motorcycle endorsement at minimum, regardless of engine size. It is possible to just get the motorcycle portion without the class C Auto license. You can ride on surface streets during daylight hours without passengers with the learner's permit.

Yeah, search Motorcycle Endorsement and you'll find info.