It's usually less that that too. Typically if you show you have got your license within the time of getting the ticket they let you go. If he just showed up and said he has an appointment or was going to make one, the judge would've made another date so that he could prove he got his license. Then no fine or jail.

Happened to me. I was pulled over without a license. Immediately went and got my license. They made a date but the mailing address they sent to I wasn't there. Being dumb I thought meant it was handled.

Lo and behold like 10 years later, when I'm getting hired for my current job they say I have a bench warrant. I went down to the courthouse the next day, the judge gave me a real weird look since it's been like 10 years, and said " do you have your license " I showed it to him, and then let me go.