From early 2026, learner drivers across the UK will face a new set of questions when they sit down to take their theory test. For the first time, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is including questions on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The decision reflects growing awareness that drivers are often first on the scene of road traffic accidents and other emergencies, and that early intervention can make the difference between life and death.
This change may seem small at first glance. After all, it does not alter the practical driving exam or add new stages to the process of learning to drive. But its impact could be amazing. With more than two million people sitting the theory test each year, the update represents a huge step towards embedding lifesaving knowledge into everyday society. If even a fraction of those tested remember what to do in a crisis, thousands of lives could potentially be saved over time.
Why CPR and AEDs Matter on the Road
The statistics around cardiac arrest are stark. In the UK, there are around 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year, and survival rates are typically less than ten per cent. The single biggest factor that improves outcomes is the speed with which CPR and defibrillation are started. If bystander CPR is performed and a defibrillator used within three to five minutes, the chance of survival can increase dramatically—sometimes up to 70 per cent.
This is where drivers come in. Motorists are more likely than most to encounter emergencies away from hospitals or city centres—whether that is at a roadside lay-by, a service station, or even at the wheel in slow-moving traffic. In these situations, professional medical help can take valuable minutes to arrive. The actions of the first person on the scene may make all the difference.
By ensuring that learner drivers understand at least the fundamentals of CPR and defibrillator use, the DVSA is equipping a new generation with knowledge that can help bridge that crucial gap. It is not about turning drivers into paramedics, but about giving them the confidence to act quickly and effectively until professionals arrive.
What Will Actually Change?
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-theory-test-questions-aim-to-boost-cardiac-arrest-survival-rate
The new questions will appear in the multiple-choice section of the theory test. According to the DVSA, the content has been designed in consultation with the Resuscitation Council UK, which sets the national standards for CPR training. Learners can expect to be asked about the correct depth and speed of chest compressions, how to recognise when CPR is needed, and who can use an AED. Importantly, the message is that defibrillators are designed for public use and can be safely operated by anyone, even without prior training, thanks to clear step-by-step voice prompts built into the devices.
The DVSA has stressed that this will not make the test harder or longer. The change simply updates the question pool to reflect real-life scenarios that drivers may face. Study materials, both online and in print, are already being updated so that learners can familiarise themselves with the new content well before the rollout in 2026.
A Cultural Shift in Driving Education
The addition of CPR and AED content marks a broader cultural shift in how we think about driving. For decades, driver training has focused almost exclusively on vehicle control, road awareness, and safety behind the wheel. While these remain crucial, this new development acknowledges that the responsibilities of a driver extend beyond the vehicle itself.
In many ways, the move mirrors trends in other countries. Across Europe and beyond, there has been growing recognition of the role that drivers can play as first responders. Some nations even require first aid training before issuing a driving licence. The UK has so far stopped short of making hands-on training mandatory, but the new theory test questions signal that policymakers are moving in that direction—at least in terms of awareness.
Benefits for Communities and Businesses
For local communities, this is more than just an update to the Highway Code. It is a public health measure. As more people gain an understanding of what to do in an emergency, the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest increase across society. Communities where large numbers of residents know CPR are statistically safer places to live and work.
There are also implications for businesses. Staff who drive for work—whether delivery drivers, sales representatives, or tradespeople—are now more likely to come equipped with a basic grasp of CPR and defibrillator use. For employers, that translates to a workforce that is not only safer on the road but also potentially able to assist colleagues, customers, or members of the public in crisis situations.
Preparing for the Change
Although the new questions will not take effect until 2026, preparations are already underway. Official theory test materials now include CPR and AED information, and the DVSA is encouraging both learners and instructors to become familiar with it. Driving schools may choose to highlight the topic in their lessons, while first aid trainers across the country are beginning to align their content with what will appear on the test.
For individuals, there is no substitute for practical experience. While reading about CPR is valuable, nothing builds confidence like practicing compressions on a manikin or seeing how a defibrillator works in real life. All our courses at Emerald First Aid Training include CPR and defibrillator training as standard, and we ensure our learners are confident and competent with Ofqual regulated certification that is valid for 3 years.
Looking Ahead
The decision to embed CPR and defibrillator knowledge into the driving theory test is a reminder that driving is about more than rules of the road. It is about responsibility—responsibility for ourselves, for our passengers, and for those we encounter along the way. By 2026, every new driver who passes their theory test will do so with at least a grounding in how to respond in a cardiac emergency.
That knowledge will not just travel with them in the car. It will be present in schools, workplaces, and communities wherever they go. Over time, as each new cohort of drivers learns the basics of CPR and AED use, the ripple effect could be profound. Survival rates for cardiac arrests may improve, communities may feel safer, and individuals may find themselves more willing to step forward when someone collapses nearby.
If you are looking for first aid training within Somerset, let the team at Emerald First Aid Training take the hassle away and give learners engaging and practical first aid skills. We have already surpassed 1,000 learners in 2025 already, and have trained in a large number of schools, businesses and charities across the area.
For small businesses and individuals, take a look at our open course calendar for upcoming training within Somerset.
If you have 4+ learners and have room at your premises to train, then let us come to you – fill in our quote page and we’ll get back to you with the right course at the right price