As you get older you will begin to receive more rights usually between the ages of 16-21. This is because you will be deemed mature enough to understand what is involved and make certain decisions for yourself.
There are some things you are able to do at any age such as be protected from discrimination, give evidence in a court, watch a Universal or Parental Guidance category film and apply for legal aid (although if you are under 18 someone may need to help you with this).
So what exactly can you do from what age?
Age 12
- Write a will (in Scotland)
- Purchase a 12A category film or view a 12A category film in a cinema without an adult
Age 14
- Be employed in some part time work but there are restrictions about what you can do and the hours you can work
Age 16
- Join the Armed Forces with parental consent
- Consent to medical treatment and choose your own GP
- Apply for an adult passport
- Consent to sexual activity
- Purchase a pet
- Change your name without parental consent
- Leave home without your parent’s permission (however in some cases the courts can order you to return home)
- Drink alcohol with a meal in a restaurant or bar as long as you are with a person aged over 18
- Leave school as long as you remain in education, training or employment until you are 18
- In Scotland you can get married without parental consent
Age 17
- Hold a licence to drive a car
- Hold a private pilot’s licence
- Donate blood without parental consent
Age 18
- Vote in General Elections
- Stand for election as a MP, MSP or Local Councillor
- Join the police or fire service
- Purchase alcohol or other age restricted products
- Take part in jury duty
- Join the Armed Forces without parental consent
- Purchase and/or own fireworks
- Serve alcohol
- Work behind a bar
- Hold a credit card
- You can get married without parental consent
- You can get a tattoo
Age 21
- Hold a licence to drive any vehicle
- Supervise a learner driver provided you have a held a full driving licence for 3 years
