Earning your private pilot certificate gives you the freedom to fly whenever you want to wherever you want, with a few exceptions. According to FAA Regulation (FAR), a Private Pilot must adhere to specific meteorological conditions that would prevent visual flight. As a Private Pilot you must maintain a minimum distance away from cloud layers and maintain a visual distance of 3 or more nautical miles. More details can be found in the current FAR book in part §91.155.
            Besides meteorological conditions, Private Pilots must follow specific regulations preventing them from taking payment for flights, act as pilot in command of other aircraft categories and being a pilot in command of a complex rated aircraft etc… These regulations can be found in part §91 of the current FAR book.
            As a Private Pilot, you are responsible for adhering to these regulations. Deviation from the regulations is only permitted in special times such as having an emergency in the air.
            By the time you have received your Private Pilot Certificate you will have full knowledge of these regulations as well as others that apply to your specific certificate rating.
            Having the freedom to soar with the clouds is a privilege and an honor. Take the time and effort to keep flying safe. For more information on keeping safe in flight, review chapter 8 of the current Airman Information Manual (AIM).

Don’t have the current FAR/AIM? Check out this site from the FAA.