Huge change for UK driving test as new theory questions added

Learner drivers in the UK will soon need to brush up on life-saving skills as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirms that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator awareness will be added to the car and motorcycle theory test.

The new questions, set to be introduced in early 2026, aim to ensure that the 2.4 million people who take the theory test each year leave with more than just road safety knowledge, they'll also be equipped with the basics of how to respond if someone suffers a cardiac arrest. The DVSA said drivers are often first on the scene of an emergency, meaning the ability to act quickly can make the difference between life and death.

Research shows that if CPR is performed and a defibrillator is used within the first minutes after collapse, survival rates can be as high as 70%. Without such intervention, fewer than one in 10 survive.

Learning materials for the test have already been updated, with questions covering topics such as "Who can use a public access defibrillator?" (answer: everyone) and the correct depth for chest compressions.

The devices are designed to be simple to operate, with voice and visual prompts guiding the user.

The NHS advises that to perform effective chest compressions, you should:

• Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest, with the other hand on top, fingers interlocked

• Position your shoulders directly above your hands

• Push down 5-6cm using your body weight, then release to allow the chest to return to normal

• Repeat at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute until professional help arrives

James Cant, chief executive of Resuscitation Council UK, said: "By embedding these life-saving skills into such a widely taken assessment, we can help ensure that more people, from all communities, gain the knowledge and confidence to act during a cardiac arrest."

The DVSA hopes the change will not only prepare new drivers for emergencies on the road, but also contribute to improving cardiac arrest survival rates nationwide.