New Theory Test Questions to Enhance Survival Rates in Cardiac Arrest Cases

Starting in 2026, driving theory tests will feature new questions on CPR and, for the first time, include questions about defibrillators to enhance survival rates for cardiac arrest.

Starting in 2026, driving theory tests will feature enhanced first aid questions, expanding on the first aid content that has been part of driver education for years.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is broadening the theory test question bank to:

• include improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) content

• introduce questions about automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the first time

This initiative aims to address the UK’s low cardiac arrest survival rates by ensuring more people are equipped to respond in emergencies.

Cardiac arrest: what it is

A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart abruptly stops circulating blood throughout the body. Causes may include:

• dangerous heart rhythm disorders

• a heart attack (which happens when blood flow to a section of the heart muscle is obstructed, potentially triggering dangerous heart rhythms that prevent effective heart pumping)

• issues with heart muscle and structure

• significant blood loss or lack of oxygen

• other causes, such as electrocution or drug overdoses

Indicators that a person may be experiencing cardiac arrest include:

• they seem not to be breathing

• they are not moving

• they do not react to any stimuli, such as touch or speech

About the theory test

Before booking their driving test, learner drivers must take the driving theory test. This test consists of two parts that are scheduled and completed together:

• multiple-choice questions - 50 questions selected from a pool of over 700, covering topics such as road signs, traffic laws, vehicle safety, hazard awareness, and first aid. Learners need to answer at least 43 out of 50 correctly to pass this section.

• hazard perception - a video assessment focused on identifying road hazards.

Both parts must be passed to succeed in the overall test.

The updates do not add any cost, time, or difficulty to the test; they simply refresh the current first aid content with the latest best practices.

Find out more about how the theory test works.

Approximately 2.4 million theory tests are taken annually, with a pass rate of 45.7% between July and September 2024. This means that hundreds of thousands of individuals each year will acquire life-saving skills through the updated questions.

At Drive It School of Motoring, we provide all our learners with free access to Theory Test Pro to help them prepare for the UK Driving Theory Test. This app automatically updates with new questions.

Drive It School of Motoring offers driving lessons in both manual and automatic vehicles, with male and female instructors available in Minehead, Watchet, Williton, Bridgwater, Taunton, Wellington, and nearby areas in Somerset, using a variety of modern tuition cars.

Drive It School of Motoring

email: learn@driveit.co.uk

Web: www.driveit.co.uk

Call:

Taunton 01823 299321

Watchet 01984 555321

Bridgwater 01278 247121

Minehead 01643 226090