The UK government has announced that 18-year-olds will now be eligible to train as mainline train drivers, reducing the previous minimum age of 20 in response to growing concerns about workforce shortages in the rail industry. The move aims to address increasing disruption caused by a lack of available drivers, which is expected to worsen as more staff near retirement.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the decision as a step towards boosting recruitment and ensuring the rail network runs more reliably. With nearly a third of train drivers due to retire by 2029 and many operators relying on voluntary overtime, the industry is under pressure to attract new talent. Government data reveals that most last-minute cancellations are linked to driver unavailability.

Industry bodies and trade unions have backed the change, highlighting its potential to offer early career opportunities to school and college leavers. The Rail Safety and Standards Board has confirmed that 18-year-olds are capable of meeting safety standards, while union Aslef welcomed the chance to increase diversity among drivers.

Driver training typically takes up to two years, and new apprenticeships could be available by the end of 2025. The policy aligns the UK with several European countries already employing younger train drivers.