When I was attending Uni it took me 2 hours by public transport there and back. That's 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Did this for about 1 and a half years.
I did not ask for an exemption. Instead I worked hard, saved my money and bought a P-Plate legal car.
No offence but I do think you went about this the wrong way but either way good luck to ya!