CA Instruction Permit and Foreign Drivers License

I couldn’t really find any official information on this case, but I have relocated to California from another country. I know theres the 10 day period that you can drive with another country’s drivers license and that it is basically impossible to get the CA driver license within that time. However, does anyone know if the penalties of being caught driving with the CA Instruction permit + an foreign driver’s license are worse than if I just didn’t have the CA Instruction permit altogether? Does it help to argue my case if I have an upcoming road test booked?

Thanks!