The UK will allow 18-year-olds to become train drivers from June 30, 2026, after the government decided to lower the minimum age threshold from 20. The measure is presented as a necessary step to ensure the future of the railway sector’s workforce, in a context marked by the accelerated aging of staff and the reforms prepared with the establishment of Great British Railways.
The legislative change will be introduced in Parliament during National Apprenticeship Week and targets young people who are completing high school and want to enter directly into a skilled, well-paid profession with long-term prospects.
Train drivers from the age of 18, from 2026
According to the British government, the new rule will come into force on June 30, 2026, at which point rail operators will be able to recruit train drivers from the age of 18. The authorities emphasize that safety standards will not be relaxed and the training process will remain as rigorous as it is today.
Train drivers will continue to undergo a complex training program, which includes theoretical training, simulators, and extended periods of supervised driving, before operating trains independently.
Industry under pressure: a quarter of drivers will retire by 2030
The decision comes at a critical time for the British rail sector. Official estimates show that by 2030, around 25% of train drivers will reach retirement age. The situation is even more acute in certain regions, with the proportion rising to 32% in Scotland and north-east England and 38% in Wales.
Authorities warn that without a rapid expansion of the recruitment base, the risk of staff shortages could affect the reliability of rail services for both passenger and freight transport.
Why is the government changing the rule now?
The reduction in the minimum age is presented as part of a broader reform of the British rail system, which is undergoing a process of profound reorganisation. Approximately half of the train operators have already returned to state ownership, and the government is preparing to launch Great British Railways, the new structure that will coordinate rail infrastructure and services.
In this context, the executive believes that attracting a new generation of train drivers is essential for the long-term stability of the network.
Low diversity in the driver’s cab
Industry data also points to a persistent diversity problem. Less than 4% of train drivers in the UK are under 30, only 11% are women, and less than 13% come from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
The government argues that opening up the profession to young people immediately after high school could help correct this imbalance and attract groups that currently rarely make it into the driver’s cab.
The UK is aligning itself with European practices
The authorities also point out that the 18-year-old threshold is already applied in several countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and Australia. Also, in the UK, young people can become pilots, subway drivers, or tram drivers at this age, which has fueled the argument for “aligning” transport rules.
Safety is non-negotiable, says government
Lord Peter Hendy, the UK’s Minister of Transport, stressed that lowering the minimum age does not mean compromising on safety. He said the measure “opens doors for a new generation” but maintains strict training and certification requirements.
The message was also supported by industry and union representatives. The Rail Delivery Group said the change would help the sector build a more resilient workforce, and the train drivers’ union, ASLEF, welcomed the decision as one it had been campaigning for for several years.
What’s next for young people interested in becoming train drivers
To support new candidates, the authorities will launch an online portal dedicated to the train driver profession by June 2026. The platform will provide clear information about daily responsibilities, recruitment stages, medical and psychological requirements, as well as direct access to available positions nationwide.
The government believes that the measure could become an important tool in combating youth unemployment and ensuring the continuity of a sector that is essential to the economy and mobility.
Share on: 
