UK Allows 18-Year-Olds to Train as Train Drivers

The UK Department for Transport announced a significant change allowing 18-year-olds to apply for train driver training without needing a university degree, effective June 2026. This reform aims to tackle the shortage of train drivers, as currently, fewer than four percent of train drivers in the UK are under 30, and a quarter of the workforce is expected to retire by 2030.

The new rules enable school leavers to start training immediately after their GCSE results, providing a pathway to a skilled career without years of higher education. Trainee train drivers can earn between £27,000 and £33,000, with apprentices learning on the job while receiving a salary.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy stated that this change would allow more young people to enter employment and build long-term careers in the railway industry. The initiative aligns the UK with countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Australia, where 18-year-olds can already train as train drivers.

Additionally, the Train Drivers Academy has developed resources to assist aspiring drivers.