That's ridiculous!
A few years ago when I was illegal, I was driving on my English learners permit (they were made of paper and it doesn't say anything about it being a learners permit - now they have similar drivers licenses to us), got cited for driving without a license.
Took the permit into court, wasn't asked for proof of immigration status (it's only the Mexicans they ask), showed my learners permit and the judge dismissed the case. He showed the permit to the baliff who said "looks legitimate to me".

Didn't have to pay a penny.

(Now of course, I am legal).
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Fri 29 Jan 2010, 22:00, Reply)