As you get older, you are legally allowed to do certain things. That can also mean you are legally responsible for your actions, so it's important to know what's what.

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

• 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 for sentencing).
• You can go into 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. It's not just the driver's responsibility!

• You can have a full-time job if you've officially left school. (Remember, the official school leaving date is the last Friday in June - even if you've turned 16 before this.)
• You can leave home, but certain conditions must be met.
• You can get married with your parents' or carers' consent.
• You can have sex if you and your partner are aged 16 or over.
• You can ride a moped of up to 50cc or pilot a glider.
• You can have an abortion without your parents' or carers' consent.
• You can join the armed forces with your parents' or carers' consent.
• You can apply for your own passport.
• You can have beer or cider whilst eating a meal in a restaurant or the eating area of a pub, but not in the bar.
• You can buy lottery tickets, including scratch cards.
• You can change your name by deed poll, with your parents' or carers' consent.
• If you're in work, you are now old enough to join a Trade Union.
• You can choose your own GP.
• You can claim social security benefit.

• You can hold a licence to drive most vehicles.
• You can pilot a plane.
• You can emigrate.
• A care order can no longer be made on you.
• You are now old enough to potentially save lives, by donating blood!
• You can engage in street trading.
• You can leave home without your parents' or carers' consent.

• You are legally seen as an adult in the eyes of the law.
• You can vote in general and local elections.
• You can get married without your parents' or carers' consent.
• 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 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 have a tattoo.
• You can buy fireworks and sparklers.
• Although you may own a mobile phone already, you're now old enough to get a mobile in your name on a monthly contract. However, it's also your responsibility to pay your bills, and your credit rating will be affected if you don't.
• You can act as an executor of a person's will.
• You can own houses and land, and apply for a mortgage.

To find out more about your rights and access to services, go to:
Cornwall Council
Devon County Council
Plymouth City Council
Torbay Council