TEENAGERS straight from school could soon be driving Somerset buses and coaches under Government plans to find jobs for youngsters.

The Government wants to tackle youth unemployment and support economic growth by providing opportunities for 18 and 19 year olds to train as bus and coach drivers.

It has launched a consultation on the idea of school and college leavers being allowed to drive buses and long-haul coach services.

Currently, they are restricted to only driving 31 miles (50 km) on buses and coaches, limiting opportunities for younger drivers.

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said this often led to recruitment and retention problems within the industry, with many young drivers frustrated with limits on their careers.

They said new rules could help the industry grow and deliver a wider variety of routes, boosting jobs and encouraging growth, meaning young drivers would no longer be restricted to local bus routes, but could get behind the wheel of inter-city coach routes, too.

It follows steps taken in the rail industry where 18 and 19-year-olds can qualify as train drivers, helping to unlock opportunities for young people and literally driving growth.

The spokesperson said road safety would still have priority, and the consultation sought views on the best ways to protect new drivers and others, for example through more training, monitoring technology, or guidance from bus/coach operators.

Buses and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “We want to clear the roadblocks that have been preventing too many young people from getting behind the wheel of a rewarding career.

“The proposed changes will help more 18 and 19-year-olds get into the bus and coach sector, giving them the opportunity to build skills, earn a living, and develop a rewarding career, while maintaining the highest standards of road safety.”

The consultation runs until December 18 and can be found via the DfT website.