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There are laws that govern the sorts of things you can do at different ages. Here's just a small sample:

AGE 14

• You can go to the pub, but you cannot drink or buy alcohol.
• You are responsible for wearing a seat belt.
• In court, you will normally be expected to give evidence as a witness under oath.

AGE 15

• You can purchase/watch a category 15 film at cinema/on DVD.
• You can purchase a category 15 video game.

AGE 16

• You can leave school.
• You can choose your own doctor.
• You can claim social security benefit.
• You can work full-time provided you have left school.
• You can leave home with your parents’ consent.
• You can get married with one parent’s consent.
• You can be sent to a young offender’s institution.
• You can drink wine or beer with a meal in a restaurant.
• You can hold a licence to drive a moped – providing you have completed a CBT.
• You can buy a National Lottery ticket or Instant scratch card.
• You can consent to sexual intercourse – regardless of sexuality or gender.
• You can buy petrol.
• You can buy chocolate liqueurs.
• You can buy aerosol spray paints.
• You can apply for your own passport without parental consent
• You can buy a pet

AGE 17

• You can hold a licence to drive a car.
• You can engage in street trading with a licence.
• You can purchase an air rifle and pellets.
• You can leave home without your parents’ consent.

AGE 18

• You can buy cigarettes or tobacco.
• You can appear before adult courts.
• You can get married without your parents’ consent.
• You can vote.
• You can act as an executor of a person’s will.
• You can bet.
• You can buy fireworks.
• You can change your name.
• You can apply to see your birth certificate (if you are adopted).
• You can apply for a passport.
• You can buy houses and land.
• You can apply for a mortgage.
• You can apply for a loan or credit card.
• You can sit on a jury.
• You can purchase a category 18 film at cinema/on DVD.
• You can purchase a category 18 computer game.
• You can be a blood donor.
• You can buy alcohol.
• You can drink alcohol in a pub.
• You can hold a licence to sell alcohol.
• You can have a tattoo.
• You can buy solvents.
• You can buy knives, blades and axes although it is illegal to carry a knife whatever age you are.
• You can buy gas lighter refills

Read our article on child employment laws for more information about hours that young people can work.

Useful websites

Citizens Advice Bureau
The CAB offers you advice on a range of issues, including legal advice,

Legal Services Commission
The Commission has information on legal aid and arranging to see a solicitor.

Community Legal Service Direct
Helps you find a legal adviser or solicitor and ask questions about legal issues.

Law Stuff
Provides information on yoru legal rights

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