At what age can I…
Film Classifications
You can see a U or PG category film at a cinema at any age without an adult, but it is the cinema manager’s choice whether to let you in or not. You can buy or rent a U or PG category video, but it is the shopkeeper’s decision whether or not to let you do this.
ss.20 and 74 Licensing Act 2003
At 12 you can see a 12A category film at the cinema without an adult. You can also rent or buy a 12 category video.
ss.20 and 74 Licensing Act 2003
At 15 you can see a 15 category film at the cinema. You can also rent or buy a 15 category video.
ss.20 and 74 Licensing Act 2003
At 18 you can view an 18 category film at the cinema.
ss.20 and 74 Licensing Act 2003
At 18 you can buy or rent a video given a certificate for viewing by adults only.
s.7 Video Recordings Act 1984
Swimming
If you are under the age of 16 you may be able to swim for free at your local council run swimming pool. Contact your local council to find out if this is offered.
Travel
If you travel abroad you will need your own passport.
You must be in the correct child restraint when travelling in a motor vehicle.
The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2006. s.23 Road Traffic Act
You can be a pillion passenger (sitting behind the driver) on a motorbike at any age, provided your crash helmet fits properly and both feet reach the passenger foot rests.
1988 and Regulation 102 Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986
You MUST NOT be a pillion passenger if the driver only has a provisional license.
s.16(6) Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999
If you are getting a new passport at 12, it must be signed by you and not your parent.
https://www.gov.uk/get-a-child-passport
At 14 it is your responsibility to make sure that you are wearing a seat belt in a car or mini bus if there is one fitted.
s.15 Road Traffic Act 1988
At 16 you can apply for your own passport without parental consent.
Dangerous Performances
You can be trained to take part in dangerous performances at 12 as long as the local authority gives you a licence.
s.24 Children and Young Persons Act 1933
Public Performances
At 14 your parents can be granted a justices’ license which will let you take part in public performances abroad. This can include singing, playing, performing, being exhibited for profit, and taking part in a sport or working as a model.
s.25 Children and Young Persons Act 1933
At 16 you can take part in public performances without a local authority licence.
s.37 Children and Young Persons Act 1963
At 18 you can take part in an exhibition or performance of hypnotism.
s.3 Hypnotism Act 1952
Driving
At 16 you can hold a license to drive a moped. If you are disabled, you may also hold a licence to drive a car.
s.101 Road Traffic Act 1988
At 17 you can hold a licence to drive a car, small goods vehicle and an agricultural tractor on the road, but not a medium or heavy goods vehicle, or a vehicle that carries more than eight passengers.
s.101 Road Traffic Act 1988
At 18 you can hold a licence to drive a medium-sized goods vehicle (maximum 7.5 tonnes).
s.101 Road Traffic Act 1988
At 21 you can supervise a learner driver if you have held, and still hold, a full licence for that type of motor car for at least three years.
At 21 you can apply for a provisional licence to drive a large passenger vehicle or heavy goods vehicle.
s.101 Road Traffic Act 1988
Gambling
You can buy a National Lottery ticket at 16.
National Lottery Regulations 1994
Alcohol
You can buy and drink alcohol in a bar at 18.
s.146 Licensing Act 2003
You can apply for a licence to sell alcohol at 18.
