The Man isn’t stupid. There are times you need the freedom to act like an adult, but those are corner cases, not the norm, Norm. Some key exceptions might include:

• If you are an "emancipated minor" (free at last, free at last), then you get special treatment. You can often drive with incrementally better privileges than your otherwise average counterparts.
• For medical reasons, like if Mom is sick and you need to take her to the hospital, or Dad broke his leg and you have to take him to the hospital. Basically any trip to the emergency room that isn’t to visit your Aunt Shari and her new baby.
• If the school authorizes you to drive, like you can’t get there otherwise because Dad was a deadbeat and left Mom with 6 kids and she has to work (in which case, sorry we brought it up).
• If you have to drive as part of your job; and again, the employer must sign something authorizey.
• If you are driving family members.

There are a few other exceptions, too, but the bottom line is: follow the rules. Cops aren’t trying to be dicks, but there are other people on the road, and you have to share. It’s best to check with your local DMV office first if you’re unsure about whether your situation qualifies.