<p>One of my best friend was caught driving without a full license. Only a stage-1 permit. He was on a date or something and was driving a little slower than he should on the highway, so he was pulled over by the cops. So he is kind of worried. Will he have to go to court and be charged with a crime or will a fat ticket settled the issue? And will this appear on his transcript?</p>
<p>Depends on the state as to how it's handled. It should probably not appear on the transcript. In HI, driving with a permit & no licensed driver present is a violation (rather than a more serious crime, like a petty misdemeanor or higher which could mean time in juvenile detention or jail). You have several options on how to handle this, all of which are spelled out in writing on the citation (have your friend read it carefully & call the phone number listed if s/he has any questions). The important thing is to talk to the parents & handle the issue right away--generally penalties increase if you're late in responding.
In HI, you have the option of either writing an explanation that you & your parents sign or appearing for court with your parent before a judge. States vary greatly on how they handle such matters. The important thing to do is talk with the parents & address the citation rather than "hoping it will go away--it WON'T!"
HImom</p>