Replying to Car misfire question

Long story short I need to pass NY inspection. My car misfired this week. It was just for like 30 seconds then stopped. Now the check engine light is on so obviously it won't pass inspection. Does anyone know how long the check engine light will stay on for if it doesn't misfire again? Even if the light goes off, will the car computer continue to store the misfire code? I'm thinking about driving around long enough till the light turns off (happened last week) and then getting it inspected. I'm a car mechanical noob so any help help be great

It's on a 2003 VW Jetta with a 2.0 engine.

By the way, I reccomend never buying one of these cars it constantly is fucking up.