Ages of Consent

What is the age of consent?

This really begs the question — Consent to what?

The following is a — far from exhaustive — list of what you can do when you reach various milestones.

Age 5:

Drink alcohol at home

Age 10:

Be convicted of a crime
Open a current bank account

Age 12:

Buy a pet

Age 13:

Be employed (limited hours and occupations)

Age 14:

Own an air gun

Age 15:

Own a shot gun

Age 16:

Leave school
Marry with consent
Buy fireworks

Age 17:

Drive a car
Fly a plane

Age 18:

Marry without consent
Vote
Buy a house
Serve on a jury
Be tattooed
Make a Will

Age 21:

Stand for Parliament
Drive a bus

Article first published October 2002
Last reviewed August 2006