At What Age Can I...

Age 12

Watch/Rent/Buy Cert 12 films and DVD/video
You can go anywhere in a pub as long as you are supervised by an adult, but you cannot have any alcoholic drinks. However, some premises may be subject to licensing conditions preventing you from entering, such as pubs which have experienced problems with underage drinking.

If you are ‘looked after’ by the local authority you can be placed in a secure unit of a care home for up to 72-hours if you and have a history of running away, or may injure yourself or others.

You can work in light work part time, but there are restrictions. You cannot work more than two hours on a school day or on a Sunday. You cannot work during school hours, neither can you work before 7am or after 7pm. During the school holidays you cannot work more than five hours a day or more than 25 hours per week.

Leave school and work full time.
You are still entitled to receive full time education.
The housing authority has a duty to house you if you are homeless, eligible for assistance, in priority need and did not make yourself intentionally homeless.
Leave home
Age of consent – You can have consent to both heterosexual and gay sex.
You can marry with your parent's consent.
Change your name by deed poll
Buy a lottery ticket/bet on football pools
Drive a moped up to 50cc
Choose your own doctor and consent to own medical treatment
You receive a national insurance number
You may receive income support. Depending on circumstances.
You can drink beer, wine or cider with a meal if it is bought by an adult and you are accompanied by an adult. This does not include spirits (vodka, whisky etc) - this is still illegal.
If you are receiving Disability Living Allowance at the highest rate your provisional driving licence will come into effect on your 16th birthday. You can apply for this within three months of that date.

You can drive a car or small goods vehicle
You can donate blood
You can join the Royal Navy/Marines/RAF or Army with parental consent.
You can also join the Territorial Army with parental consent
You can obtain a private pilots licence
You can be interviewed by the police without an appropriate adult being present.
You can be sent to a remand centre or prison
You can apply for a firearms certificate.