Teenagers will be able to qualify to drive trains on Britain’s railways under new proposals.

The government is asking for views on reducing the minimum age from 20 to 18, in a consultation running until 13 June.

The number of train drivers due to retire in the next five years has prompted concerns of a shortage. Their average age at the moment is 48.

The Department for Transport said the plan would “build resilience”.

School leavers would be able to take up apprenticeships to become drivers.

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The idea was welcomed by industry groups and the main train drivers’ union, Aslef.

Ministers have repeatedly said they want operators to become less reliant on rest day working - overtime days - to fulfil schedules.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said the union had always been in favour of lowering the age drivers can start training. He said it believed “there should be enough drivers to cover all the available shifts”, and did not agree with reliance on rest day working and overtime.

Mr Whelan added: “Not only will [the plan] increase the number of drivers but we also believe that those at the pointy end of the train should reflect the communities they serve and that includes having young people in cabs”.

The driver qualification process currently takes between one and two years.