Lowering the train driver age from 20 to 18 will give younger people the chance to build rewarding careers in the UK railway industry

Doors Opened for School Leavers to Become Train Drivers
Doors Opened for School Leavers to Become Train Drivers

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% for 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 2026) 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: 

There is a lack of diversity within the rail industry, 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 young people 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: 

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

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said:

General secretary of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) the train drivers’ union, Dave Calfe, said: