16
Vote in the Isle of Man
At 16, if you have lived in the Island for the last 12 months, you can vote in Isle of Man elections. The Isle of Man was the first country in Western Europe to let 16 and 17 year olds vote in national elections.
Milestones
Birthdays that bring something new
Some birthdays come with more than cake. Here are a few that change what you can do, each checked against the official page.
15¾
Apply for a provisional driving licence
In Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) you can apply for your first provisional licence at 15 years and 9 months. Most people can start learning to drive at 17.
Source: GOV.UK: Apply for your first provisional driving licence
100
A message from the King
For a British national, a 100th birthday can bring a message from the King. Messages are also sent for the 105th birthday and every birthday after that.
Source: GOV.UK: Get a birthday or anniversary message from the King
The Isle of Man Government page also points out a difference across the water: in the UK you have to be 18 to vote.
Rules change, so check the official page before you rely on one of these. They were checked on 3 November 2026.
Round-number birthdays
Turning 18, 40 or 50 in 2026? Start with the year you were born: 2008, 1986 or 1976. A page of things that happened in your birth year makes a good party quiz, a card insert or a speech opener.