It’s finally happening… You’re turning 16 very soon and you’re curious about the things you can do at 16?
First of all, I want to wish you a happy birthday and send you warm hugs for your sweet 16th birthday and I wish you a perfect life, may you achieve everything you ever hoped and aimed for.
Now, I’ll introduce you to your new legal rights and things you can start doing at 16 years of age. All of these things are what make the sweet 16 so sweet and exciting.
21 Interesting Things You Can Do At 16
The minimum age for doing or owning all of these things below is 16. Let’s see what makes the sweet 16th so special.
1. Get a driver’s license
This is something most of us rejoice the most about turning 16. To finally be able to get and own a driver’s license.
A family member can give you driving lessons and you should practice a lot before taking the test. And once you get a fully valid driver’s license, be careful behind the wheel and no one can stop you.
2. Ride a moped
For those of you who aren’t quite fans of cars, you can also get a moped because, at the age of 16, you’re also allowed to ride a moped.
3. Get a passport without parental consent
As a minor, the only way you could get a passport is by having parental permission. In other words, one or both of your parents needed to apply for your passport.
Now, that’s in the past, because you’re finally allowed to get an adult passport. And it’s not just about the passport… The best part is that you can finally travel with it all alone, you don’t need to be accompanied by your parents.
So, what do you say, it’s time to plan a trip with your friends, yeah?
4. Get a part-time job and have minimum wage
At 16, you can also get your first job. Of course, it’ll be part-time and you’ll only earn a minimum wage but it’s still something.
You can immediately go through some ads and look for a part-time job somewhere near you.
5. Get a National Insurance number
Do you know what this is? It’s your own personal account number. And why is it important? Because all of the taxes and contributions you pay to your state will be recorded there.
6. Register to vote
Even though you still aren’t allowed to vote at the age of 16, you can at least register to vote. And you’ll have two years to get into politics and figure out which party or person will get your vote, if they run for the next elections in two years’ time.
7. Join a trade union
If you get a part-time job, you’ll also want to know whether you’re able to join a trade union if you’re 16. And the answer is, yes, you’re able to join a trade union.
Actually, it’s preferable to be a member of a trade union if you have a job. That syndicate will take care of your rights in case your employer doesn’t respect them.
8. Change your name by deed poll
You never liked your name, but your parents never allowed you to change it before? Now you don’t need their permission anymore.
You can get the deed poll, the legal document for changing your personal name, and change it once and for all. However, I would advise you to think it through before you decide to take this step.
9. Pilot a glider
Those of you who like to get their adrenaline pumping will rejoice about this the most. A super fun thing you can do at 16 is piloting a glider.
Of course, you need to complete training and get a certificate in order to fly a glider but I’m sure it won’t be a problem for you just to get some of that adrenaline up there in the air.
10. Drop out of high school with parental permission
You can do this but it definitely isn’t something I would recommend. High school days are the most wonderful days of your life and, one day, you’ll be missing those days and wish for them to come back.
Most state laws allow young people to drop out of high school if their parents allow it. However, some also require some kind of education until a person is 18. It can be a full-time education at a college or some kind of part-time education or training.
I know that some youngsters don’t like school but education is highly important. It allows you to have a better future and also helps you to find your purpose in life.
11. Have a drink at a restaurant with parental permission
You’re legally allowed to have a beverage at a restaurant with the consent of your parents and if they’re with you, of course.
However, I wouldn’t recommend you to post it on your social media because some people may take it wrong. And if your parents don’t agree with you drinking at the age of 16, you should, actually, you must, respect them.
12. Get married with parental consent
Teenage love is one of the strongest kinds of love of all. Teenagers simply fall blindly in love and they’re 100% sure it’ll last forever
Most teenagers wish to get married after only a few months of dating. And yes, at the age of 16, you can get married if your parents allow it but it’s a huge decision and you really need to think it through before you actually do it.
Marriage isn’t a relationship. It changes you and your life forever. And it can’t be ended so easily as a relationship. I get if you’re head over heels with your partner, but you should really continue dating for some time more and then decide whether marriage is truly the best option for you.
13. Consent to lawful sexual intercourse
If any young person under 16 years of age is involved in sexual intercourse it’s considered a criminal offense. Even if you consent to it, you can still be prosecuted by law.
I know this is something most young people will find most interesting but you should really be careful. If you don’t use protection, you or your partner will end up pregnant and that will change both your lives in general forever.
14. Join the army, again with parental permission
After your school days end, you can immediately join the army. Of course, if you’re under 18, you’ll need parental permission.
However, if you really have a huge desire for joining the army and helping your country, you should discuss it with your parents. I’m sure they’ll understand and as much as it’s hard for them, they’ll give you their consent.
15. Donate blood, with parental consent
This is a very important thing you can do at 16. By donating blood, you’re doing a good deed and you’re also helping to save someone’s life.
Unfortunately, many young people don’t understand the importance of blood donation. The truth is, no one knows what the future brings to us all. Maybe you’ll find yourself in a situation tomorrow where you to your loved one will need a blood transfusion.
Try to think about that and talk with your parents about becoming a blood donator.
16. Get a prepaid or even a debit card
Well, in most states and banks, you can get a debit card only at the age of 18. However, you can open a checking account and get a prepaid card where your parents can load your pocket money.
However, you can also explore a few banks in your city because some of them allow 16-year-olds to get a debit card.
17. Get a fishing license
Your family member goes fishing very often and you’ve always planned to make that your hobby, too, once you are allowed to get a fishing license? Well, now you finally can.
As a 16-year-old, you can purchase an annual fishing license online and the whole procedure is very easy.
As a kid, my father would take me fishing very often and I really liked seeing him fishing because it was really so special for him. Now, when I think about it, I should get a fishing license, too, and enrich my list of hobbies.
18. Buy a lottery ticket by yourself
This isn’t such a big deal and it’s definitely not something I would recommend to young people.
It’s okay to buy it sometimes just for fun but you shouldn’t buy a lottery ticket every day. The lottery is also a form of gambling and most addictions are actually being formed at these teenage ages.
19. Those are legal ages for babysitting
Even though there aren’t quite defined ages for babysitting, according to most state laws, the minimum age for babysitting should be 16.
This could also be your first part-time job where you’ll be earning a minimum wage. This might also be fun, especially if you like little children.
However, this is also a job with a huge responsibility and you must take it seriously. You’re in charge of taking care of a little baby or kid, and you must be dedicated to it completely.
20. Get a piercing
Some state laws say that a minor at 16 can get a piercing without parental permission. Of course, you’ll need to check that out depending on the state where you live.
However, in all states, you can definitely get a piercing with parent consent. Now, all you need to do is to persuade your parents into giving you their consent.
21. And, of course, have a sweet 16th birthday party ?
You’re allowed to have a birthday party at any age but this will be the sweetest birthday party you’ll ever have, that’s what makes it so special. Trust me, everything about the age of 16 is special and interesting.
No matter whether you’ll celebrate it in the circle of your loved ones or throw a huge birthday party, you’ll have fun and that’s the most important thing.
And who knows, maybe one of these things above come wrapped as your sweet 16th birthday present. That would definitely be the cherry on top of your 16th birthday.
See also: The Best 18th Birthday Captions And Quotes For Instagram
Wrapping Up
I hope all of your sixteen-year-olds are pleased with the info I provided you in this article. As you can see, there are many new things that come with your new age, sweet 16.
Your legal rights also change when you turn 16 in most states. With all of these amazing perks and amusing new things, this period is truly one of the most beautiful and carefree periods of our lives.
So, enjoy it to the fullest. Try and use all of these new things you’re finally able to do by yourself or with parental permission. Surround yourself with family members and your closest friends and throw a sweet 16th birthday party to remember. ?
