actually it turns out except for nebraska and arizona, you can take your dmv test with just your ead but you will need the social and ead to get the license.
if you already have your legit social then they will give you license or permit with just your receipt.
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Application filled out by - Myself (feeling like a bad ass lawyer, haha)
App Sent: 8/15/2012 USCIS Dallas Lockbox USPS overnighted that baby fast! Received: 8/16
I-797c received on 8/27 Biometric appointment on 9/17 (done on 9/13)
APPROVED OCT 14