License facts for kids
A license is like a special permission slip that allows someone to do something they normally wouldn't be allowed to do. Think of it as an official "OK" from an authority. Often, you might need to pay some money or pass a test to get a license. Licenses are usually written down, but not always. Most licenses are just for the person they are given to, and they can be for a short time or forever. Sometimes, once you have a license, it can't be taken away. The person who gets the license is called a licensee.
For example, imagine John has a license to sell vegetables at the market from 2010 to 2020. John then gives Jane a special permission (an exclusive license) to sell vegetables for four years, from 2012 to 2016. In this case, John is the licensor (the one giving permission), and Jane is the licensee (the one getting permission).
In many places, if someone tries to do something without the right license, they might have to pay a fine or face serious legal consequences.
Contents
What are some types of licenses?
There are many different kinds of licenses that give people permission to do various things.
Driver's license
Most countries have laws that say you can only drive cars if you have a driver's license. If you drive without one and the police catch you, you might have to pay a fine. To get a driver's license in many places, you need to take a test and pay money. The test checks if you know the road rules and can drive a car safely.
Hunting license
Other licenses give permission to shoot animals. This is often called a hunting license. A hunting license usually tells you when and where you are allowed to hunt. A hunter might also need to pass a test to show they understand the rules about hunting.
Television license
In the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, if someone owns a television set, they must buy a "television licence" every year. This license allows them to legally watch TV broadcasts.
Copyright licenses
Copyright is a law that protects creative works, like books, music, or computer programs. It gives the owner of the work the right to decide what others can do with it. A person or a company can give a license for something they own the copyright to. This means if someone else wants to use that copyrighted work, they need permission from the owner. For example, when you buy computer software, you also get a license from the creator. This license gives you permission to use the software.
License vs. Licence: What's the difference?
The words "license" and "licence" can be a bit confusing because they sound the same.
- "License" (with an 's') is usually a verb, meaning "to give permission." For example, "The city will license new food trucks."
- "Licence" (with a 'c') is usually a noun, meaning "the permission itself" or "the document." For example, "You need a licence to drive."
In American English, both the verb and the noun are spelled "license." So, you would say "to license" (give permission) and "a license" (the permission).
License vs. Qualification: What's the difference?
It's important to know the difference between a license and a qualification. A qualification, like a degree in medicine, shows that a person has successfully studied a subject. This degree is usually for life. A license to practice medicine, however, is the legal permission to work as a doctor in a specific area. This license can sometimes be taken away if certain rules are broken. So, a qualification shows what you know, and a license shows you have legal permission to use that knowledge.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Governments give driver's licenses to people who are allowed to drive motor vehicles on public roads.
See also
In Spanish: Licencia para niños
