BENDING THE RULES.
When you were little, you (almost) always followed the rules. Now that you're mature and making your own decisions, you're questioning what's fair. Parents don't realize that the rules they imposed five years ago—like "Lights out by 8:30!" —may not work with your mature status.

Want them to ease up? Be responsible. That means: negotiate all rules before you break them. Don't pull a Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer move and sneak out to hang with buds. Sneak around, and eventually you'll get busted. Then you'll have to build their trust all over again.

Give as much as you take. If you get permission to sleep over at your friend's house, come home at a reasonable hour the next day. Then wash the dishes or do something special to let them know you appreciate the freedom.

KEEP THEM INFORMED.
They're more likely to let you go out if they know you have a ride home. A minute-by-minute schedule isn't necessary, but some names and numbers are a good start.