New changes in driving theory test to include CPR: what learners should know

From early 2026, the UK driving theory test will include new questions on life-saving CPR and defibrillator use. This landmark update, led by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in partnership with heart health organisations, aims to significantly increase survival rates from cardiac arrest by equipping millions of learner drivers with vital first aid skills.

Whether you’re preparing for your theory test or simply want to be ready in an emergency, here’s everything you need to know about the changes, why they matter, and how to get ahead.

What’s covered

• What are the new changes to the driving theory test?
• What is a cardiac arrest?
• Why are cardiac arrest skills important for drivers?
• Will these changes make the theory test harder?
• Tips for learners and instructors
• Key takeaways

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What are the new changes to the driving theory test?

From early 2026, the car and motorcycle theory tests will feature new first aid questions. This change, developed by the DVSA in collaboration with Resuscitation Council UK and Save a Life programme in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is intended to give learners the skills and confidence to act decisively in an emergency. Candidates will face new questions on:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques - enhanced CPR content, including correct hand placement, compression rates and depth

• Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) – how and when to use them

This update is part of the DVSA’s ongoing commitment to raise awareness for heart health in the UK, hoping to support the next generation of safe and responsible drivers.

How can learners find the new content?

The DVSA have already updated their official learning resources to reflect this new content, so learner drivers will have time to familiarise themselves before 2026. This includes:

• The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills

• The Official DVSA Guide to the Theory Test for Car Drivers

• The Official DVSA Theory Test kit app for Apple phones and tablets

• The Official DVSA Theory Test kit app for Android phones and tablets

Also read: The 5 best theory test apps for learners in 2025

Here are some example questions provided by the DVSA*:

An adult casualty is not breathing. To maintain circulation, CPR should be given. What’s the correct depth to press down on their chest?
Correct answer: 5 to 6 centimetres

Who can use a public access defibrillator (AED)?
Correct answer: Everyone

Additional learning resources

Learner drivers can access a range of free training materials, including practical guides on CPR and using a defibrillator, put together by the Resuscitation Councils from across Great Britain.

Access them here: CPR and defib learning resources for drivers | Resuscitation Council UK

What is a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body. This can happen for many reasons, including dangerous heart rhythm problems, a heart attack, severe blood loss, lack of oxygen, or even causes like trauma, shock or drug overdose.

Spotting the signs quickly is vital. Someone in cardiac arrest will usually not be breathing, won’t move, and won’t respond if you try to talk to or touch them. In these moments, every second counts – the chance of survival drops by about 10% for each minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation.

Why are cardiac arrest skills important for drivers?

Drivers are often first at the scene when someone suffers a cardiac arrest – whether at the site of a road traffic collision, a service station, or even a roadside collapse. According to data from Resuscitation Council UK, more than 40,000 people in the UK experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year, but fewer than 1 in 10 survive*.

That's why immediate intervention is crucial while waiting for emergency services - if CPR is given and an AED used within three to five minutes of collapse, survival rates can reach 70%.

By making CPR and AED knowledge part of the theory test, which is taken by around 2.4 million learners each year*, new drivers will be better equipped in how to respond in an emergency, potentially making life saving differences.

Will these changes make the theory test harder?

You'll be pleased to know that the changes in driving theory test from 2026 will not increase the difficulty of the test, and the test fee will remain the same. The DVSA states that, "the changes involve no additional cost, test time, or difficulty - they simply update existing first aid content with current best practice."*

The theory test remains in two parts, and you'll need to pass both to get your theory test certificate:

• Multiple-choice questions: You'll be given 50 questions (including new CPR and AED content) and have 57 minutes to complete them. You'll need a minimum of 43 correct questions out of 50 to pass.

• Hazard perception part: Consists of 14 short video clips that test your ability to spot developing hazards. Each hazard can earn you up to five points, based on how quickly you react. To pass, you’ll need a minimum score of 44 out of 75.

Also read: How to book your theory test: a 6 step guide

Tips for learners and instructors

• Start learning CPR and AED skills now, rather than waiting for the test update. These are very simple skills that anyone can master.

• Use official DVSA resources and free online guides from Resuscitation Council UK to build your life saving awareness.

• Driving instructors should make sure pupils know about the changes and encourage early preparation.

Key takeaways

• The UK driving theory test will include new questions on CPR and defibrillator use from early 2026.

• The DVSA’s decision to add CPR and AED questions to the theory test is a major step forward for road safety and public health, with the aim to educate more people about life saving skills.

• The DVSA have already updated their learning resources with the new content, so learners can get ahead now.

• Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death, with over 40,000 people experiencing an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK each year, and fewer than 1 in 10 survive.

• Prompt CPR and defibrillator use can boost survival rates to as high as 70%. Every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 10%.

• Quick action from bystanders before emergency crews arrive can make all the difference.

• Training millions of new drivers in these skills could save thousands of lives and help ease pressure on NHS resources.

• These changes will not make the theory test any harder - they simply bring existing first aid material up to date with current best practice.

• Learner drivers should start building their CPR and AED knowledge now, rather than waiting for the test update.

Sources:

*GOV.UK - New theory test questions aim to boost cardiac arrest survival rate

*Resuscitation Council UK - Every fan can be a lifesaver