Changes to driving theory test to include CPR and defibrillator use from early 2026: What you need to know

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recently announced that, from February 2026, the UK driving test will include new questions on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and the use of defibrillators (AEDs). This is one of the most important updates to the test in years.

This update, announced by the DVSA in partnership with the Resuscitation Council and Save a Life Cymru, could save thousands of lives each year by ensuring millions of new drivers know what to do when someone suffers a cardiac arrest.

But, what exactly is changing and why? We’ve outlined everything you need to know in this blog.

Why are the changes being implemented? 

The DVSA has partnered with the Resuscitation Council UK and Save a Life Cymru to bring in these new changes to the theory test. Drivers are often the first on the scene when someone suffers cardiac arrest, and these changes mean that the 2.4 million learner drivers who take their theory test each year will have a better understanding of the skills needed in an emergency.

Every year in the UK, over 40,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and fewer than 1 in 10 survive. However, survival rates can increase to 70% if CPR and defibrillation are given within the first 3-5 minutes. Every minute without help reduces the chances of survival by 10%.

Many bystanders hesitate in an emergency for a number of reasons:

• They don’t know how to give CPR
• They fear they will hurt the person more by trying to help
• They think that they can’t use a defibrillator without training
• They don’t know where to find a defibrillator

By adding basic life-saving knowledge into the driving theory test, the government hopes to increase the number of people who feel confident to act in an emergency. This could help to increase survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK.

What exactly is changing within the theory test? 

From February 2026, the multiple-choice section of the test will feature updated first aid content and learners will be expected to know:

• How to recognise cardiac arrest through signs such as unconsciousness, lack of breathing and no response
• How to perform CPR with correct hand placement, compression depth (5-6cm) and compression rate (100-120 per minute)
• How to use a defibrillator by switching it on, following prompts, placing the pads properly and following the safety steps
• The correct order of actions, including calling 999, starting CPR and using an AED as soon as one is available

The new questions help to test practical life-saving knowledge that could save lives. New multiple choice questions include:

• ‘Who can use a public access defibrillator’
• ‘An adult casualty is not breathing. To maintain circulation, CPR should be given. What’s the correct depth to push down on their chest?'

The pass mark for the test will stay exactly the same and the test won’t be longer or more expensive, it’s just designed to reflect modern emergency guidance.

Why choose drivers for this awareness? 

The key reason for choosing drivers to help build this awareness is to increase the number of people who can help in a cardiac emergency and ensure more people know exactly what to do without panicking.

Drivers are often the first responders in emergencies, such as:

• Road traffic collisions where cardiac arrest is common due to trauma
• Service stations and roadside locations where AEDs are increasingly being installed
• Community incidents – as mobile citizens, drivers are more likely to encounter someone who has collapsed

Equipping learner drivers with these skills increases awareness of this life-saving skill and means more people within the community know how to respond in an emergency.

FAQs

Will the practical driving test include CPR?

No. CPR and AED use will only appear in the theory test (multiple choice section).

Do I need to practice CPR on a manikin to pass? 

No. The test will cover knowledge, not practical assessment.

Can I fail if I get the CPR/AED questions wrong?

Yes, in the same way as any other question. You still need 43/50 overall to pass.

Will this make the test harder? 

Not harder, just more relevant. The number of questions and the pass mark remain the same.

Driving change through the theory test

The changes being introduced to the driving theory test in 2026 are a great step towards more people within local communities being equipped with life-saving knowledge that becomes as universal as learning the Highway Code.

By raising awareness of CPR and defibrillator use to millions of learners every year, the DVSA is hoping to create a generation of drivers who are confident enough to act in those critical minutes after a cardiac arrest occurs.

At Defib4Life, we’re thrilled that these changes are being introduced. However, testing knowledge is only the first step. To ensure communities and workplaces are fully rescue-ready, we need:

•  More accessible defibrillators in schools, businesses and communities
• Regular awareness campaigns to keep CPR skills fresh
• Ongoing support for workplaces and organisations to maintain their AEDs

Want to make sure your workplace or community is ready for emergencies? Contact Defib4Life for expert advice and to find out more about our products and services.