The UK government is set to lower the minimum age for train drivers from 20 to 18, with legislation due to be introduced in parliament this week. The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed the change will come into effect on 30 June 2026, as part of efforts to address a looming staffing crisis across the rail network.
Around a quarter of current train drivers are expected to reach retirement age by 2030, raising concerns about future service reliability. The situation is more acute in certain regions: in Wales, 38 per cent of drivers are due to retire within four years, while the figure stands at 32 per cent in both Scotland and the North East of England. Staff shortages already account for 87 per cent of train cancellations announced the night before departure.
Ministers hope lowering the age threshold will attract younger recruits, improve diversity and reduce reliance on voluntary “rest-day” working, where drivers take on shifts during scheduled time off for additional pay. The average train driver is currently 48 years old, and fewer than three per cent are under 30. Women make up just one in nine drivers, while 13 per cent come from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The DfT said the move would align rail with other transport sectors, as bus and Tube drivers can already qualify at 18. Rail minister Lord Hendy said the reform would open up skilled career opportunities for school leavers. The announcement follows recent pay deals, including agreements that will see some Tube drivers’ salaries approach £80,000 by 2027.
