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 Apr 17, 2024

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