get a continuance to extend your court date, go take a defensive driving class, go back to court, speak with the solicitor(show him the certificate from the dd class) and tell him you're not concerned with the fines, just your record. Once they tell you how much you'll pay and you go before the judge and get told how much it will be, apologize for being stupid. Remember, you dont have to pay the fine that exact day. If you need time, tell them, they're very likely to give you at LEAST 30 days to pay the fine, up to 60 days if you request it.