UK Driving Tests to include CPR and First Aid questions

Driving theory tests in the UK will include questions on CPR and First Aid from 2026.

The plans have been introduced by the DVSA in partnership with Resuscitation Council UK in an attempt to boost cardiac arrest survival rates. First Aid knowledge and techniques are already a part of driving tests across much of Europe

Currently in the UK, less than 1 in 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital survive, and the DVSA say that drivers are often the first on the scene when someone suffers a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

The only definitive treatment for cardiac arrest is a shock from a defibrillator, which restores the heart back into a normal rhythm. However, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitaton) buys time for the defibrillator to be located and deployed by manually keeping oxygenated blood pumping around the casualty's body.

If CPR and an AED are used within 3 to 5 minutes of the person collapsing due to a cardiac arrest, survival rates can be as high as 74%.

Public Access Defibrillators

According to the BBC, proposed questions on the new theory test will include "Who can use a public access defibrillator?" with the correct answer being everyone.

Drivers can find their nearest defibillator in an emergency by calling 999 and following the call handler's instructions. However, when not in an emergency - anyone in the UK can use Defib FInder by the Circuit to find their nearest available defibrillator. View this here.

If you suspect a cardiac arrest in someone around you, here are some steps you should take:

• Call 999 for an ambulance
• Perform a scene survey to ensure you are not placing yourself or the casualty in further danger by helping
• Check for responsiveness by gently shaking the casualty by the shoulders and asking “Are you okay?”
• Begin CPR by starting chest compressions and send someone to fetch the nearest defibrillator (the 999 call handler can help guide you to this).
• Turn on the defibrillator once it arrives and follow the instructions given until the paramedics arrive and take over.

 Performing CPR 

Performing CPR is a vital step in ensuring the casualty achieves the best possible outcome. Chest compressions act as a manual pump - pushing oxygenated blood around the vital organs whil the heart is not beating efefctively. This prevents permanent damage and death from occuring while awaiting the defibrillator to arrive and deliver a shock.

The steps to deliver hands-only CPR are as follows:

• Shout for help 
• Shake the unconscious person gently and check for responsiveness
• Call 999
• Begin chest compressions by interlocking your hands in the centre of their chest and pressing down by around 5cm at a rate of 100 - 120 bpm.
• Continue until help arrives with a defibrillator

Imperative Training 

Since 2003, Imperative Training has been providing individuals and businesses across the UK with life-saving first aid skills, including CPR and using a defibrillator. One of our most popular courses is the Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work.

We offer fully TQUK accredited first aid courses that can be delivered at a venue of your choosing. View our first aid courses here.