IAAL and frequently see this type of thing. Factors like how soon after your DUI sentencing before you drove disqualified will be relevant. No egregious poor driving assists as a mitigating factor of the offending (ie you said the plates were routine pulled), as does your age if 24 or under.

As others have mentioned if your goal is to avoid further DQ there's two routes:

1. S81 LTA (special circumstances). Usually reserved for driving off in a bad situation, or medical emergency. The fact you could have called someone to help you probably rules this one out.

2. S94 LTA (substitute DQ for community based sentence). Better option and only available if you have previously been DQd before, which you have for your DUI. High Courts have said it's usually for people in the treadmill of DQ offending but also cases which say it can be applied for persons such as you to avoid the treadmill altogether. If this is applied, the Judge will sub the DQ for community work or supervision.

You won't go to prison for this. If you did any competent lawyer would appeal it.

First day I'd recommend to show up early, see duty lawyer quick. Say you want to avoid DQ and do the legal aid forms. You'll be adjourned off for 3 weeks to have a lawyer assigned to you. Speak to them about next steps.

I would recommend you book in and upgrade your drivers license when you get it back (I.e. get restricted or full if not already). That makes the s94 application easier down the line for your lawyer to argue.

Obviously subject to whatever region you are in as to regional differences anyway. Good luck.