Policy paper

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.

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 19 March 2026

Documents

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

PDF, 216 KB, 8 pages

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Details

This cross‑industry implementation plan was developed following the letter issued by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, Minister for Rail, on 7 May 2025 to the rail industry. The letter commissioned a plan on how the industry would support the proposed change in law to lower the minimum age to be a train driver in Great Britain from 20 to 18.

This plan sets out the arrangements and changes the industry will undertake to support the legislation that lowers the minimum age to be a train driver from 20 to 18, as proposed under the draft Train Driving Licences and Certificates (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

Published 19 March 2026