Legal rights at 17
Got a teenager who's turning 17? Here's an at-a-glance list of where they stand legally. Useful for disputes with your teen about their 'right to do x'.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Jun 11, 2021
Most legal rights of a 17-year-old are the same as those of a 16-year-old. However, there are a couple of things you can do at 17 that you can't at 16.
Drive
17-year-olds can:
- Drive most types of vehicle, with a provisional licence, as long as there's someone who is over 21 in the passenger seat who is qualified to drive
- Drive alone if they have a full licence and proper insurance
- Apply for a private pilot's licence for a plane, helicopter, gyroplane, hot air balloon and airship (and you can apply for a balloon or glider licence from 16).
When learning to drive (as with all learner drivers):
- L-plates must be clearly displayed
- Learner drivers must have appropriate insurance
- If you're the driving instructor going through L-fire, you must be over 21, with at least three years' driving experience.
Give blood
At 17, you can legally donate blood. You also have to be fit and healthy – see the NHS Blood and Transplant page for more information.
The law
As of 2015, with regards to criminal activity, 17-year-olds can be defined as 'arrested juveniles' and treated the same as children in the eyes of the law. This means that, if a young person aged 10-17 commits a crime, they will be:
- Dealt with by youth courts (a special type of magistrates' courts for young people)
- Given different sentences to adults
- Sent to special secure centres for young people, rather than adult prisons