Rights
Want to learn to drive, vote, get a job? Find out when you can legally do it!
This section includes everything you need to know about your rights and the reasons why you should know them!
Get clued up about your work rights, when you can legally do a whole load of stuff, laws you should know about and what to do if you get into trouble with the law.
When can I...?
Leave School
Under the present law a young person is required to attend school until they are 16 years of age OR until they have completed three years of secondary school.
Receive Contraceptive Advice and Supplies
This is a sticky one; as a person is entitled to consent to medical procedures at age 16; BUT the legal age of consent for sex is 17. So, some doctors will not prescribe or provide information on contraception to people younger than 17 years of age.
OPEN A Bank Account in my own name
No matter how much money you have in the bank, you cannot open a current account until you are 18 years old. You can however open a child or student savings account if you are 16 or over. You will need your parent/guardian to be the co-signee if you are under 16.
Serve on a JURY
A person may be called upon to serve on a jury in a court of law from the age of 18. Members of a jury are citizens who are on the electoral register. If you are called upon to attend for jury service and fail to do so, you are committing an offence and are liable to be fined.
GET MARRIED – 18 years old
In theory it is possible to marry under 18 if a court exemption is sought and three months notice is given to the state.
Get a part-time JOB
A young person aged 14 or under cannot work part time during the school term; but can work 35 hours a week during school holidays, as well as 40 hours per week of work experience. Those aged 15 years can work eight hours a week during term time, 25 hours during school holidays and 40 hours per week of work experience. Employers cannot allow young people to work before 8 am in the morning or after 8 pm at night. 16 and 17 year olds may work 40 hours per week with a maximum of 8 hours per day. 16 and 17 year olds are not allowed to work before 6 am in the morning or after 10 pm at night.
Get a full-time JOB
The minimum age of full employment for a young person is 16 years old. A person as young as 14 can be employed during the school holidays to do light work. This permission will be given on the condition that the work will not be harmful to the child’s development, safety or health. The work offered cannot interfere with the child’s education.
Buy Alcohol
It is illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to buy alcohol and for a publican or retailer to supply alcohol to anyone under 18. It is also illegal for a person under the age of 18 to be in an off license unless in the presence of a parent/guardian. Young people under 18 are only allowed in a pub when they are accompanied by a parent/guardian, and only between the hours of 10.30 am to 9 pm (to 10 pm May to September). Young people between the ages of 15-17 may remain at a pub beyond these hours, only if they are at a private function where a meal has been served.
To work in a pub you have to be 18 years or older unless related to owners or apprenticed.
Get a PASSPORT in my own name
Since 2004, all young people must have their own passport, and can no longer be under their parent's passport.
VOTE in Elections
You can vote at 18, but you must register your name on the electoral register.
Leave HOME
16 with parents consent or 18 without parents consent.
CONSENT to have sexual intercourse
You can legally have sex at 17 years old.
CONSENT to a male homosexual or a lesbian relationship
17 years of age.
Make a WILL
When you reach 18. If you are married, but under 18, you may also make a will.
Buy a PET
You must be over 16 to be granted a dog license. For other pets, there is no legal age restriction. It is up to the discretion of the person selling it to believe that the young person is capable and responsible enough to care and look after a pet and give it a good home.
SIGN ON for income support
18 years old for unemployment benefit but it cannot be claimed for three months after leaving school. Any income support is always mean tested and might be influenced by your parents income and your living arrangements.
Get a CAR/MOTORCYCLE licence
At 17 you can get a provisional licence and a full licence. Motorcycles which are over 125cc: 18 years old and motorcycles which are under 125cc: 16 years old. You must be 18 to drive a goods vechicle.
Get a MOPED/TRACTOR licence
You can get a licence for both at 16.
SMOKE
It is illegal for people under 18 years of age to smoke or to purchase cigarettes in a shop. If caught, the shop involved can face a hefty fine.
Get a TATTOO













