Driving without license - after temporary 1 year permit

My friend was stopped by police without his DL as there was some misunderstanding on his part and he drove after 1 year of his permit(from non eu country).
He is asked to visit polis station in some days. Whats the best way to get out of this with no/least fine? He was stopped after a month of his permit expiry and already had theory exam cleared and practical scheduled.

Claim ignorance I’d say.

Does that work? What could be a good excuse . And if the police doesn’t buy, what is the usual charges? Penalty? Does it include driving ban?

I have the same situation, what’s the way to get out of it with least loss?