Special VFR Clearances Explained 

I am studying for my PPL tomorrow; this cleared a lot up, thanks!!

Excellent summary. Subscribed

There were situations where I'd wanted to request an SVFR clearance at my home field (Class D), but I lost the nerve to ask because despite favorable forecasted conditions at the intended destination airport, I knew how quickly coastal California airports' WX conditions could change and I didn't have the "stones" to go through with the request. I've never requested an SVFR clearance and (thank you, O' Wise CFI) I won't seek one unless it's absolutely imperative.