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At what age can I...?
Know Your Rights
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 can go into a pub, but you can’t buy or drink alcohol there.
  • A boy can be convicted of rape, assault with the intent to commit rape and unlawful sex with a girl if she is under 16, even if she has agreed.
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 and wine 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.
  • A male may consent to a homosexual act if he and his partner are both over 16.
  • You can have an abortion without your parents’ consent.
At 17:
  • 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.
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:
  • You can hire a car (although some companies may want you to be 23).
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