Policy Threads

Lowering Train Driver Minimum Age

The Department for Transport is lowering the minimum age requirement for train drivers from 20 to 18 through amendments to Train Driving Licences and Certificates regulations, with implementation planned for 2026. The reform aims to address workforce shortages in the rail industry and is being implemented with a structured industry plan. Regulations and licensing requirements are being updated to accommodate younger drivers.

19 Mar 2026 | Policy paper Department for Transport linked

Summary of the rail industry’s implementation plan for lowering the minimum train driver age to 18

In response to: Lowering the minimum train driver age to 18: rail industry implementation plan

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

19 Mar 2026 | Policy paper Department for Transport linked

Lowering the minimum train driver age to 18: rail industry implementation plan

This plan sets out how the rail industry plans to implement the change to lower the minimum train driver age from 20 to 18 in Great Britain.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Summary of the rail industry’s implementation p…

28 Jan 2016 | Policy paper Department for Transport linked

Transport infrastructure skills strategy: building sustainable skills

Contains recommendations supporting the sustainable development of skills and the creation of 30,000 apprentices.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Transport infrastructure skills strategy: build… (104pp)