Please clarify if you know. Driving with learner's permit

If pulled over (tail light bulb burned out), while driving with learner's permit and nobody else in the car with a driver's license (NY State), cop said he wouldnt give a ticket for a broken tail light so i wouldnt get points, but gave a ticket for "Permit Class D. Operating out of class". Offense type checked Traffic Infraction. I had a pretty reasonable explanation - driving at night in a small town to pick up my roommate. Court date in 2 weeks. What should i expect? Is there a chance of getting this offense dropped? What fine will i be loooking at? Any help is appreciated.