This is taken from Dept. of Transport website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport

If you can drive a tank in the Army, then why not a train?

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

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.