So in the court apperance you are going to (1) plea guilty, that is, you did fail to dim the headlight, (2) with an explaination, that it's a new car that you are not familiar with, so you are admitting negligence as well.
I am no traffic lawyer, but it seems to me it is driver's duty to be careful with his car, including familiarize with all control aspect. You are admitting your negligence, it might get you excused from your parents, but not from a judge.
Indiana has safe driver deferral program, that you pay your ticket and some additional fine, so that the ticket is dismissed and it never shows up on your record. http://www.indy.gov/eGov/County/Pros/FAQ/Pages/Safe-Driver-Deferral-Program.aspx
Seems to me that's a better approach.
