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Big news for anyone dreaming of driving trains — the UK government has just announced that the minimum age to become a train driver will soon change from from 20 to 18! The change is all about tackling driver shortages and opening up exciting new career paths for young people.
It’s a bold move to improve train services and create thousands of jobs. And it’s not just about filling seats — it’s about giving young people a head start in a well-paid, skilled career.
The rail industry is keen to bring in fresh talent as shortages of drivers have become a major cause of cancellations, when drivers are unavailable. With the average driver age at 48 and many set to retire soon, there’s a big need for new recruits. Plus, the industry wants to become more diverse — currently, fewer than 9% of drivers are women and under 12% are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Training takes 1–2 years, and once qualified, you could start on around £30,000, with experienced drivers earning in the region of £70,000. Once Trainees or Apprentices are qualified, they can build a specialised career in driving, with opportunities to move into roles such as driver training or driver management. Alternatively, the driving experience provides a strong foundation for a wide range of other roles in rail operations. These could include timetable and resource planning, performance management, technical standards, or safety oversight.
> Why not try some online virtual work experience to see if the rail industry is for you?
The age change has already been made in countries like France and Germany, and now the UK is on board too. Apprenticeships for 18-year-olds could be available as early as December — so if you’re ready to get your career on track, now’s the time to explore your options! Note that rail operators recruit both as and when required but also annually. Check the rail operator's careers website for your area, both for live opportunities but also to see if you can register for alerts or information about new driver recruitment cycles.
As a train driver, your primary responsibility is to operate trains safely, efficiently, and on time across a variety of routes throughout the country. This role requires strict adherence to railway rules, regulations, and operational procedures to ensure a smooth and secure journey for all passengers.
You’ll work a range of shift patterns, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends, depending on the service schedule. You could start on around £30,000, with experienced drivers earning in the region of £70,000.
To maintain high safety standards, the operating company will carry out regular medical assessments and fitness checks, ensuring you remain fully capable of performing your duties responsibly and reliably.
Typical duties of a train driver include:
- Ensuring the train is fully prepared and safe to begin service
- Operating the train safely, efficiently, and on schedule
- Having thorough knowledge of the route and staying responsive to changing conditions
- Consistently following all operational procedures and safety protocols throughout the journey
- Responding to customer enquiries promptly, courteously, and professionally
Find out more!
- Rail industry (Online) Virtual Work Experience
- Train Deriver - Job Role
- Public Transport Careers
- The Train Drivers Academy
- Greater Anglia Careers
- Routes into Rail
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