Doors opened for school leavers to become train drivers

• Train driver age lowered from 20 to 18, opening pathways for young people this National Apprenticeship Week.  
• Law change gives school-leavers new opportunities to enter rail industry with fantastic chances for progression. 
• Legislation laid at pivotal time for the industry, as Government establishes Great British Railways.  

School leavers will soon be able to become train drivers, as the Government is set to lower the legal age to be a train driver from 20 to 18 years old from 30 June 2026. 

The move will open doors for younger people to enter a highly skilled profession at a pivotal time for the industry, when by 2030, a quarter of all train drivers are expected to reach retirement age. This figure rises to 32% in Scotland and the North East, and 38% in Wales. 

With half of train operators now back in public ownership, this new generation of train drivers will help unlock the railway's full potential for passengers and businesses – including freight – that use the network. This is a key step ahead of the creation of Great British Railways. 

Today (10 February) marks the next step in changing the law so that from 30 June 2026, 18 year olds can apply for train driver roles. Legislation will be laid in Parliament during National Apprenticeship Week, reaffirming the Government's plan to get young people into rewarding industries while tackling youth unemployment and driving economic growth. 

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy said: 

“Lowering the minimum age for train drivers is a significant step forward for young people across Britain. This change will open doors for those wanting to move straight into the workplace, giving a younger generation the chance to build rewarding careers in the railway, whether that's in freight or passenger services. 

“It's a move that will help secure the future of Great British Railways and the wider rail industry, and ensure the workforce reflects the energy, talent and ambition of the next generation.”  

There is a lack of diversity within the rail industry with fewer than 4% of train drivers are under 30, and only 11% are women. Less than 13% train drivers are from a minority ethnic background.  

 The change in law will create opportunities for young people across Great Britain from different backgrounds, to bring the UK in line with other countries across the world such as Switzerland, Germany and Australia. It will also level the playing field across the transport sector, where you can be a pilot or drive a tube and tram on the London Underground from 18. 

The legislation will help the rail sector to secure the next generation of drivers, passing on skills from current staff to keep passengers safe on the network and grow the freight industry. 

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: 

"With almost a million young people not in education, employment or training, we need to open up new routes into skilled, well-paid careers. 

"Lowering the minimum age for train drivers puts young people at the controls – of a train today, and of their own futures tomorrow. 

"Apprenticeships like these benefit everyone. Young people gain skills and a foot on the career ladder, while employers gain the fresh talent they need to grow. It's a great example of what's possible when government, unions, and industry work together.” 

Daniel Mann, Director of Industry Operations at Rail Delivery Group, said:  

“The rail industry plays a vital role in connecting communities and supporting the economy, and as the workforce evolves, we need to attract a broader range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. Lowering the minimum age for train drivers will help to open up a career in the railway for young people and will enable the industry to build the workforce of the future, support long term resilience, and make sure the railway can continue to deliver for passengers.” 

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said: 

 “This is great news, and will open up opportunities for young people.  It opens the door to a rewarding career earlier, giving young people an opportunity to be part of the exciting developments in our railways.” 

Dave Calfe, general secretary of ASLEF, the train drivers' union said: 

"ASLEF has been campaigning for many years to lower the age at which drivers can start training. This decision, to allow people to leave education and become a driver at 18, will increase diversity in the driver's cab by encouraging more young people from all communities to drive trains on Britain's railways.

"Because, at the moment, many young people make their career choice at 18 and the industry misses out as the current minimum age is 20. This change will widen the opportunity for the rail industry to recruit the large numbers of train drivers required over the next five years."