Young people in the UK can now start training as train drivers at just 18 years old, following a landmark rule change designed to tackle staff shortages and create more opportunities in the rail industry.
Previously, the minimum age to drive trains was 20. But with an ageing workforce and thousands of retirements on the horizon, the government has officially lowered the entry age in a bid to boost recruitment and improve rail reliability.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander called the move “bold action to improve train services and unlock thousands of jobs,” noting that nearly a third of UK train drivers are due to retire by 2029.
A New Route Into Rail Straight From School
The change means school and college leavers can now consider train driving as a direct and rewarding career path after education. Training takes between one and two years, with new job roles and apprenticeships for 18-year-olds expected to begin as soon as December 2025.
Charlie Eric Potts, a 22-year-old train driver from Nottinghamshire, welcomed the news. “If I could’ve applied at 18, I would’ve,” he told the BBC. “It’s giving younger people an opportunity who are clearly competent at doing the job.”
Support From Industry and Unions
The Rail Safety and Standards Board has confirmed that 18-year-olds are capable of safely becoming drivers, and the industry has voiced strong support.
Mick Whelan, General Secretary of ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, said the sector has long missed out on enthusiastic young people who didn’t want to wait until 20 to start their careers. “This policy change will help increase diversity in the driver’s cab and bring in fresh talent,” he said.
Elizabeth Kirby, a train driver from Lincolnshire, added: “It’s an amazing opportunity for young people. It widens the pool of candidates and brings more diversity to the industry.”
Currently, fewer than 9% of train drivers are female, and under 12% come from ethnic minority backgrounds, according to the Department for Transport.
Career Prospects and Salaries
Train drivers are among the highest-paid roles that don’t require a university degree. According to the Rail Delivery Group, the average salary in 2023 was £60,055, and it’s expected to rise to around £69,000 in 2024/25. New drivers typically start on around £30,000, with pay increasing alongside experience and seniority.
A Step Towards a More Reliable Rail Service
Driver shortages are a major cause of disruption, with 87% of last-minute train cancellations blamed on staff availability. Many operators still rely on voluntary overtime — known as “rest day working” — to keep services running. By bringing younger drivers into the system earlier, the government hopes to build a more resilient and reliable rail network.
Ready to Start Your Rail Career?
If you’ve just left school or college and are looking for a long-term, well-paid job with real career progression, train driving could now be within reach at 18. Keep an eye out for apprenticeship schemes launching in late 2025.
