Know Your Rights :: Connexions Cornwall and Devon

At What Age...

At 13:

You can work part-time, but only in certain jobs and for limited hours. For more information, go to: www.connexions-direct.com

At 14:

You are considered to be fully responsible for your actions, so if you commit a criminal offence, you will be treated the same as an adult (except from sentencing).
You can go into a pub, but you can’t buy or drink alcohol there.

At 16:

You can have a full-time job if you have officially left school. Remember, you can’t work full-time until the last Friday in June – even if you have turned 16 before this.
You can get a National Insurance Number.
You can leave home – certain conditions must be met and you must have your parents’ or guardians’ consent.
You can get married with your parents’ or guardians’ consent.
You can drink beer or cider with a meal in a restaurant or an eating area of a pub, but not in the bar.
You can apply for your own passport.
You can ride a moped up to 50cc or pilot a glider.
You can have sex if you and your partner are aged 16 or over.
You can have an abortion without your parents’ consent.

At 17:

At 18:

You are legally seen as an adult in the eyes of the law.
You can vote in general and local elections.
You can marry without your parents’ or guardians’ consent.
You can buy and drink alcohol in a bar and work there.
You can ask to see your birth certificate if you are adopted.
You can change your name.
You can be called to serve on a jury.
You can sue or be sued.
You can make a will.
You can place a bet.
You can get a tattoo.
You can buy cigarettes and tobacco.
You can open a bank account in your own name without a parent or carer's signature.
You can buy fireworks and sparklers.

At 21:

To find out more about your rights and access to services, go to:
www.cornwall.gov.uk
www.devon.gov.uk
www.plymouth.gov.uk
www.torbay.gov.uk