You and your rights
What ages you're allowed to do things
This section is a quick look at what ages you're allowed to do things.
The Law Stuff website has a quick timeline about what ages you're allowed to do things.
It's always worth being aware that different countries have different laws to that of the UK. To find out more visit the Government's Brits caught out by unusual laws page.
Read more about what you can do:
- from birth
- at age 5
- at age 10
- at age 12
- at age 13
- at age 14
- at age 15
- at age 16
- at age 17
- at age 18
- at age 21
From birth
From birth you can:
- get confidential advice and counselling
- give evidence in court
- agree to or refuse medical treatment (if you understand the implications, though a court can override your decision)
- buy over the counter medicines for minor illnesses
- choose your own religion
- have a bank account
- carry a donor card
- enter a public bar with someone eighteen or over at the Landlord's discretion, if the landlord holds a children's certificate
- smoke cigarettes, but not buy them
- have your body pierced though your parents may have to accompany you, and give consent
- babysit - though the parents should assess suitability - ROSPA have guidance on babysitting
- be left on your own, but it's an offence for you to be left alone if it places you at risk. The NSPCC has guidance on when it is safe to be left at home on your own. Read the law on leaving your child on their own
- make a complaint about sexual or racial harassment, or a complaint against the police
- see your school or health records using a Subject Access Request
In addition, from birth you must have your own passport to travel abroad.
At Age 5
At age 5 you can drink alcohol in private for example, at home. Read guidance on alcohol and young people.
By law, you must start full time education at school or education at home by the term after your fifth birthday. Read the City of York Council's guide for parents.
At Age 10
You can be convicted of a criminal offence and be given a custodial sentence if the crime is a serious one.
At Age 12
At age 12 you can see a category 12A film at the cinema without an adult and rent an age 12 video. You can also be trained to take part in dangerous performances, but you have to have a licence from your local council.
If you're arrested you can be kept in police detention or in local authority accommodation and if you're getting a new passport it has to be signed by you, not your parent.
At Age 13
At 13, if you're Looked After by a local authority, you can be locked up for up to 72 hours or longer by a court order under s25 of The Children Act 1989 (children, secure accommodation) Regulations 1991. Read secure children’s homes: how to place a child aged under 13.
In addition, you can start work.
At Age 14
At age 14, your parents can be granted a justices' licence to allow you to take part in public performances abroad which can include singing, modelling and playing sport.
You can also go into a pub bar on your own, if the Landlord allows you to, but you cannot buy or consume alcohol there.
At Age 15
At age 15:
- you can see a category 15 film at the cinema and rent a 15 video
- you can apply to join the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force at 15 years and 9 months, but you cannot serve until you're 16
- if you're convicted of a crime, you may be sentenced to a detention and training order for up to 2 years
At Age 16
At age 16:
- you can buy aerosol paint
- you can enter a bar on your own, and can buy non-alcoholic drinks
- you can drink beer, cider or wine with a meal if you're with someone over 18
- you can buy liqueur chocolates
- you may join the Armed Forces with parental consent, (though you will not be eligible for active service until you're 18)
- you can change your name without parental or court consent
- you can hold a licence to drive a moped. If you're disabled you may also hold a licence to drive a car
- you can leave school on the last Friday of June if you are already 16 or will be during the summer holidays; but you must remain in education, training or employment until you're 18
- you can work full time if you have left school. There are some restrictions, such as not being allowed to work in a betting shop or bar when they are open. You have to be paid the minimum wage
- you can buy a national lottery ticket
- you can enter into a Housing contract; which is legally enforceable
- the Local Authority have a duty to house you if you are homeless, in need of help, in a priority need and have not made yourself intentionally homeless. The City of York Council offer support for youth homelessness
- you can usually leave home without parental consent
- if you're a looked after child, you will be allocated an advisor and support through a pathway plan
- you can apply for legal aid and will be assessed on your own means
- you can choose your own GP; consent to surgical procedures; pay prescription charges (there are exemptions) and if female purchase emergency contraception over the counter in a pharmacy
- pay for a sight test and glasses unless you are in full-time education
- you can buy premium bonds and open an individual savings account (ISA)
- you can buy a pet
- you do not need a Local Authority licence to take part in public performances
- you can consent to all sexual activity as long as they are over 16 too
- you can get a National Insurance number and claim for certain benefits if you're eligible
- you can apply for a passport without parental consent
- you have to pay full fare on trains, but you can buy a 16 to 25 railcard
At Age 17
At age 17 you can:
- join the Armed Forces as an officer with parental consent
- join the Royal Marines Reserve and Territorial Army with parental consent
- donate blood
- hold a licence to drive a car, small goods vehicle or agricultural tractor on the road
- apply to certain Fire Brigades at 17 years and 10 months
- be given a reprimand or legal warning without an appropriate adult being present
At Age 18
At age 18 you're an adult in the eyes on the law and you can:
- buy and drink alcohol in a bar. You may be asked to show ID as proof of age
- join the Armed Forces without parental consent
- buy land, property, hold a tenancy or apply for a mortgage in your own right and make a will
- open a bank account or get a credit card without parental consent or take out a personal loan
- hold a driving licence to drive a medium goods vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes
- view 18 certificate films at the cinema or buy or rent an adult video
- join the Fire and Rescue Service
- apply to and be appointed to the Police Service
- buy fireworks
- enter a betting shop and place a bet; you can also enter premises in which gaming takes place
- make an application for a gender change certificate if you have been living as the other gender or have changed gender
- leave home without parental consent
- serve on a jury, sue someone, start court proceedings and sign documents on your own behalf
- be tried and treated as an adult by the courts and if you are given a prison sentence, serve it in an adult prison
- be questioned by the police without a parent or guardian
- vote in elections, and stand as an MP, Councillor or Mayor
- no longer be adopted, but if you have been you can apply to see your birth records and put your name and address on the Adoption Contact Register
- get married and register a civil partnership without consent. There is a difference between marriage and living together
- take part in an exhibition or of exhibition of hypnotism
- buy cigarettes, tobacco and papers
- get a tattoo
- buy or hire an air weapon or ammunition for an air weapon
In addition, you have to pay for dental treatment unless you're in full-time education, pregnant or certain other circumstances. Find out more about who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England.
At Age 21
At age 21 you can:
- adopt a child
- supervise a learner driver if you have held a relevant licence for 3 years or more
- hold a licence to drive a minibus or to pilot a plane. You can apply for a provisional licence to drive a large passenger vehicle or heavy goods vehicle
If you were a Looked After Child, your personal pathway plan will normally end, unless you are in education or training.
