16: You can leave school in the school year in which you turn 16, however the government is planning to raise this to 18 - see following.

- this plan will require you to continue at school or in some form of recognized training until you are 18 or until you attain a 'level 3' qualification. You may also be in work but you must continue training. If you do not co-operate you may be fined and/or your parents may be subject to a parenting order. This will not take effect for a few years though.

Note: school attendance is not in fact compulsory. The law simply states that you must be receiving a full-time education. Your parent(s) or guardian can legally remove you from school and educate you at home.


13: you can work, with restrictions on hours details here: Government Web Site about work regulations for young people

16: can work full time around, 40 hours a week.



16: you can hold a license to drive a moped.

17: can hold a license to drive any vehicle except certain heavy goods vehicles.




14: you can go into a pub, but you cannot drink or buy alcohol.

16: you are only allowed to have wine or beer with a meal in a restaurant.

18: Can drink and purchase alcohol (always remember your identification)

You can consume alcohol at home from the age of 5 under adult supervision.


18: to purchase or use tobacco




16: can get married with the consent of at least one parent / guardian

18: No consent required


16: (the law is changing but it is still 17 in N.Ireland - 16 when a new law comes into effect)




There is not legal age for owning a pet however you must be 16 years and accompanied by an adult to purchase one.


U (universal) - suitable for all ages

PG - some scenes may be unsuitable for young children, parent guidance.

(Cinema) 12A - no one under the age of 12 will be admitted, unless accompanied by an adult

12 - only suitable for people aged 12 years or over

15 - only suitable for people aged 15 years or over

18 - only suitable for people aged 18 years or over

Age restrictions also refer to purchasing age. (Remember identification).




There is usually no age restriction on opening a bank account or savings account. Most banks provide special offers that may interest you. Shop around for the best deals. However try not just to look at the special offers also look at the reputation, reliability and ability to access your selected bank. Building Societies offer many of the same facilities but with the added bonus that you can't get into debt so they are worth considering. At 18 you can get a Credit Card.



18: Appear at courts

18: Can vote

18: Can change your name

18: Apply for a passport in your own name

18: Own land

18: Sit on a jury



16: Lottery Ticket

18: All other forms of gambling



Under 18: Cannot enter a monthly contract



The law on leaving home between 16 and 18 is not clear-cut.

However; if you are over 16 and are managing well on your own the authorities are unlikely to intervene. On the other hand if you are under 18 and deemed to be at risk in some way the authorities or your parents can obtain a court order to state where you must live.




You chose your own doctor,

Can claim benefits

Purchase a lottery ticket.



Purchase an air rifle

Donate blood

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