Key Summary
- From early 2026, UK driving theory tests will include CPR and defibrillator awareness
- The change aims to equip hundreds of thousands annually with life-saving skills, as drivers are often first at cardiac emergencies
- Cardiac arrest survival rates can reach 70% if CPR and a defibrillator are used promptly
The UK's Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) wants people attending the driving theory test to be aware of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills to tackle emergencies.
There will also be questions related to automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
“Drivers are often first on the scene when someone suffers a cardiac arrest,” DVSA said.
Cardiac arrest is an alarming global health concern caused when the heart suddenly stops pumping the blood into the body due to heart rhythm disorders, heart attack, severe blood loss, oxygen shortage and even electrocution.
The new change will be implemented in early 2026, in both car and motorcycle theory tests.
The test will have two parts – 50 multiple choice questions and a video test.
The questions will be about road signs, traffic laws, hazard awareness, etc.
The video test is for hazard perception, where the participant must identify hazards on the road.
“Part of being a safe and responsible driver is knowing what to do in an emergency – how to step in and make a real, life-saving difference,” Mark Winn, DVSA chief driving examiner.
This change in driving tests will help hundreds of thousands of people annually gain knowledge of life-saving skills.
Defibrillator is a user-friendly device that provides a jolt of energy that can normalise the heartbeat.
The updated learning materials now include questions such as “Who can use a public access defibrillator?” with the correct answer being “everyone.”
Automated external defibrillator skills are necessary as it can ensure 70 percent of survival chances if used along with CPR in the first few minutes of the emergency.
A Resuscitation Council UK study claims that nearly 40,000 out-oh-hospital cases of cardiac arrests occur annually and only 1 in 10 survive.
During a cardiac arrest every minute counts. Quick action by bystanders before ambulance crews arrive can save lives.
The new educational addition teaches people to contact 999 and begin CPR if they notice someone unconscious and not breathing normally.
Resuscitation Council UK chief executive James Cant said, "We're delighted to be working with the DVSA and other partners to introduce CPR and defibrillator awareness into the driving theory test.”
"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," he added.
