The UK’s driving theory test is set for a major update, with CPR and first aid skills becoming part of the exam from early 2026. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed that new questions will cover life-saving techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of public defibrillators. UK Driving Theory Test
Why the Change? UK Driving Theory Test
Drivers are often the first to arrive when someone collapses or is injured on the road. By including first aid knowledge in the theory test, officials hope to ensure that more people can step in confidently during a cardiac arrest or roadside emergency.
According to medical evidence, if CPR is started quickly and a defibrillator is used within the first few minutes, the chance of survival can be as high as 70%. Without such intervention, survival rates drop to fewer than 1 in 10.
What Learners Will Need to Know
The DVSA has already updated official learning materials to prepare the UK’s 2.4 million annual theory test candidates. Learners will face practical, knowledge-based questions such as:
- Who can use a public access defibrillator? (Correct answer: Everyone).
- The correct depth for chest compressions during CPR.
- How to give effective hands-only CPR.
The NHS recommends:
- Placing your hands in the centre of the chest.
- Pressing down 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches) using your body weight.
- Releasing fully between compressions. UK Driving Theory Test
- Maintaining a rhythm of 100–120 compressions per minute until help arrives.
Expert Support | UK Driving Theory Test
James Cant, Chief Executive of the Resuscitation Council UK, praised the decision, calling it a “game-changer” in public health. He explained that embedding CPR and defibrillator awareness into the widely taken driving theory test will help spread vital life-saving knowledge across all communities.
A Step Towards Safer Roads and Communities
This initiative highlights how driver education is no longer just about road rules and vehicle safety, but also about equipping everyday people with the confidence to act in a crisis. By 2026, millions of new drivers across the UK will not only understand the Highway Code but will also carry the knowledge to potentially save lives. UK Driving Theory Test to Feature CPR and First Aid Questions from 2026
