The UK government has confirmed that young people will be able to train as train drivers from the age of 18, opening up thousands of skilled job opportunities and strengthening the country’s rail services.
From December 2025, 18 to 20-year-olds will be eligible to apply for train driver roles and apprenticeships, in a move designed to future-proof the railway network, reduce service cancellations, and support the government’s wider Plan for Change. The change is expected to help ease industry-wide driver shortages, which currently account for 87% of service cancellations made the night before.
With the average age of a UK train driver now 48 and nearly a third due to retire by 2029, the decision is intended to ensure a steady pipeline of new talent and reduce reliance on rest day working. Lowering the minimum age also aims to improve diversity within the profession, where currently less than 9% of drivers are women and under 12% come from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the move, stating: “We’re committed to getting the economy moving, and a big part of that is getting young people into the workforce. This bold step will deliver reliable services and put more school leavers on track for a fulfilling career.”
The change follows a Department for Transport (DfT) consultation, which received strong industry support. The rigorous training and safety requirements for new recruits will remain unchanged.
ASLEF General Secretary Mick Whelan said the union had long campaigned for the age reduction, calling it “a significant step” towards broadening access to the industry and ensuring long-term resilience.
Several European countries, including Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, already allow train drivers to begin at 18. Transport for London also opened driver apprenticeships to 18-year-olds in 2007.
Rail industry leaders welcomed the announcement. Daniel Mann, Director of Industry Operations at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “These changes will help us recruit the next generation of drivers and build a railway workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson added that the policy would “create pathways into high-skilled careers” and tackle transport sector skills shortages.
This measure forms part of wider preparations for the establishment of Great British Railways, which will unify track and train operations and focus on improved service delivery for passengers nationwide.
Share on:
