Age Milestones Around the World: When Can You Drive, Vote, and Drink?
Age is not just a number — it is a legal threshold that determines what you can and cannot do. But these thresholds vary dramatically from country to country. A 16-year-old in Germany can legally buy beer, while an American must wait until 21. Use our age calculator to check exactly how old you are and which milestones you have passed.
Driving Age by Country
The minimum driving age ranges from 15 to 18 across the world. In the United States, learner's permits are available at 15–16 depending on the state, with full licenses at 16–17. Germany, France, and the Netherlands set the minimum at 18 for a full license, though Germany allows "accompanied driving" from 17. The UK allows driving at 17. In Australia, learner permits start at 16 in most states. Japan requires drivers to be 18, while India allows motorcycle licenses at 16 and car licenses at 18.
Voting Age by Country
Most countries set the voting age at 18, but notable exceptions exist. Austria, Brazil, Ecuador, and Argentina allow voting at 16. Greece lowered its voting age to 17 in 2016. In Indonesia, married citizens can vote regardless of age. Some countries like Italy require voters to be 25 for Senate elections. The trend globally is toward lowering the voting age, with movements in Germany and the UK advocating for 16-year-old suffrage.
Drinking Age by Country
Drinking age laws show the widest variation globally. The United States enforces 21 as the minimum purchase age — one of the highest in the world. Most of Europe sets it at 18, but Germany, Belgium, and Austria allow beer and wine at 16. Portugal and Spain set the limit at 18. In Japan and South Korea, the drinking age is 20. Several countries including China and Thailand set it at 18. In some countries like Cameroon and Ghana, there is no legal minimum drinking age.
Age of Majority by Country
The age of majority — when a person is legally considered an adult — is 18 in most countries. However, Japan recently lowered it from 20 to 18 in 2022. South Korea uses 19, while Scotland uniquely sets it at 16. In Brazil and India, the age of majority is 18. Some countries tie it to specific legal systems: in Saudi Arabia, maturity is determined by puberty under Islamic law, though 18 is used for administrative purposes. Check if you have reached the age of majority in your country.
Marriage Age by Country
The minimum marriage age varies widely and remains a subject of reform worldwide. Most Western countries set it at 18 without parental consent, with 16 as the minimum with consent in the UK, Australia, and many US states. France raised its minimum to 18 in 2006. Germany banned marriage under 18 entirely in 2017. In India, the legal age is 18 for women and 21 for men, though the government has proposed equalizing both at 21. Some countries still have no enforced minimum, a situation that international organizations are working to change.
Retirement Age by Country
Statutory retirement ages are rising worldwide as populations age and life expectancy increases. France recently raised its retirement age from 62 to 64, sparking massive protests. Germany is phasing in a retirement age of 67 by 2031. The UK plans to increase the state pension age to 68 by 2046. Japan, facing the world's oldest population, allows pension claims from 60 but incentivizes waiting until 65. The Netherlands ties its retirement age directly to life expectancy. For a deeper dive, see our complete retirement age comparison.
Interesting Outliers and Edge Cases
Some age milestones defy easy categorization. In New Zealand, you can leave school at 16 but cannot buy alcohol until 18 — except in a private residence where there is no age restriction. Switzerland allows 14-year-olds to drink beer and wine with parental supervision. In the United States, you can join the military at 17 with parental consent — a year before you can vote for the commander-in-chief. Singapore enforces national service at 18 but sets the voting age at 21. These inconsistencies reveal how different societies weigh responsibility, autonomy, and protection.
Age milestones reflect a society's values about maturity and responsibility. What counts as "old enough" depends on where you live, what you want to do, and which cultural traditions shape the laws. Curious how old you are in exact years, months, and days? Try our age calculator to find out instantly. You might also enjoy learning about which generation you belong to.