At What Age Can I?

That can also mean you are legally responsible for your actions, so it’s important to know what’s what - have a look at the following to get an idea of what's relevant at what age. Not everything is listed.

 At 10

• You have reached the age of criminal responsibility. This means that you can be convicted of a criminal offence (depending on various factors) 

 At 13

• You can have a part-time job, with some restrictions.

 At 14 

• You can enter a pub, but you can’t buy or drink alcohol there.
• You are old enough to give evidence in a court case.
• You’re responsible for wearing a seatbelt and you can be fined if you’re caught without one.

 At 16

• You can live independently, subject to certain conditions being met.
• You can ride a moped with an engine size up to 50ccs.
• You must be 16 before you can legally have sex, whether that’s with someone of the same sex or opposite sex.
• A boy can join the armed forces with his parents’ or carers’ consent.
• You can choose your own GP.

At 17

• You can hold a licence to drive most vehicles.  
• A care order can no longer be made on you.
• You are now old enough to potentially save lives, by donating blood 
• You can leave home without your parents’ consent.

At 18

You are legally seen as an adult in the eyes of the law. This means you can do anything from vote, to buy cigarettes/alcohol and sue or be sued!

When applying for a job, you usually don’t need to tell an employer about a ‘spent’ conviction’ Over the age of 18, most convictions become ‘spent’ after five years. Find out more on the Next Step site

Proof of age card

You may be asked for a 'proof of age' card, depending on the circumstances (such as if you want to buy cigarettes). Specific cards are available but you could also use a passport or a driving licence, for instance.