 UK to Train 18-Year-Olds Amid 87% Rail Cancellation Crisis

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UK's Bold Move: Train drivers can now start at 18 instead of 20 - but why this sudden change?

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87% of last-minute train cancellations happen because there aren't enough drivers. The solution? Recruiting fresh talent straight out of school.

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From £26,000 during training to £62,000 in three years at Northern Railway - but there's a catch about those 3 AM starts...

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Think driving a train is easy? You'll need to master 'the brick' - a massive rulebook that requires a 90% score to pass.

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Current stats: Average driver age? 48. Female drivers? Under 9%. Time for a change?

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Real talk from veteran driver Bernard Kennedy: 'If you can vote and get married at 18, you can drive a train

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France, Germany, and Switzerland already trust 18-year-olds with trains. London Underground's been doing it since 2007.

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The truth about train driving: Rain or shine, 3:20 AM starts, freezing cold sidings - ready for the challenge?

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12-24 months of intense training: Medical tests, psychological evaluations, and emergency protocols. No shortcuts here.

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December 2025: The first 18-year-old drivers begin their journey. Could this be your next career move?

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