From this autumn, learner drivers in the UK will face new questions on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of defibrillators (AEDs) as part of the driving theory test.

The change follows years of campaigning from road safety groups, medical charities, and emergency responders for first aid training to be embedded into driver education.

It is generally accepted that the first hour after a crash, ‘The Golden Hour’, is the most important for the chances of recovery; therefore, those first at the scene of a crash can make the difference between life and death and the extent of any recovery.

Theory into practice

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirmed the expanded question bank will cover not only CPR techniques but also the location, use, and importance of AEDs in treating cardiac arrest.

The aim is to give new drivers essential life-saving knowledge at the very start of their motoring journey.

Mark Winn, DVSA’s chief driving examiner, said: “Part of being a safe and responsible driver is knowing what to do in an emergency – how to step in and make a real, life-saving difference. Learning CPR and how to use an AED is a very simple skill, and adding this into the official learning resource is a great way for DVSA to support the drive to raise awareness.”

 

Success in numbers

Sobering statistics from the Resuscitation Council UK underscores the urgency of the move.

Each year, more than 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the UK, but survival rates remain under 10%.

In contrast, if CPR is performed and an AED is deployed within three to five minutes of collapse, the survival rate can soar to 70%.

Every minute without CPR and defibrillation cuts the chance of survival by up to 10%, meaning rapid bystander action is often the difference between life and death.

Defibrillators work by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.

They are increasingly common in public spaces, but a lack of awareness about their use remains a barrier.

James Cant, CEO of Resuscitation Council UK, welcomed the DVSA’s decision:

“By embedding these life-saving skills into such a widely taken assessment, we can help ensure that more people gain the knowledge and confidence to act during a cardiac arrest. This change has the potential to save thousands of lives over the coming years.”

The start

Road safety advocates have long argued that drivers are among the most likely members of the public to encounter emergencies, whether at crash scenes or in other public places.

Groups such as Driver First Assist (DFA) have campaigned for compulsory first aid knowledge for drivers, noting that immediate intervention can be critical before emergency services arrive.

David Higginbottom, CEO of DFA, told a recent Fleet200 Strategy Network meeting that training fleet drivers in CPR and AED use could dramatically reduce road traffic fatalities.

“Drivers are on the front line when incidents happen,” he said. “Giving them the skills to manage the scene safely and help casualties could save countless lives – not only on the roads but in their communities.”

Beyond CPR

While CPR and defibrillator use are key focus areas, experts say other basic first aid techniques could be highly beneficial for motorists. These include:

• Controlling severe bleeding – using direct pressure, improvised dressings, or tourniquets to stem life-threatening blood loss until paramedics arrive.

• Managing shock – recognising signs such as pale, clammy skin and rapid breathing, then keeping the casualty warm, calm, and lying down to maintain blood flow to vital organs.

• Clearing airways – knowing how to place an unconscious but breathing casualty in the recovery position to keep their airway open.

• Assisting with burns – cooling burns with clean water for at least 20 minutes while avoiding ice or greasy substances.

• Supporting suspected spinal injuries – keeping the casualty’s head and neck aligned and avoiding unnecessary movement until trained help arrives.

These skills, when applied promptly, can make a critical difference in the crucial minutes after a collision.

 

Skilling up

The initiative also reflects a growing trend towards integrating health and safety education into broader public settings.

Campaigners hope the theory test change will lead to wider adoption of first aid skills across the population.

With more than 1.6 million theory tests taken annually, the DVSA’s move could dramatically increase the number of people who know how to perform CPR, use a defibrillator, and apply other essential first aid techniques.

As James Cant put it: “Every second counts in a cardiac arrest. The more people who can respond quickly and effectively, the better our chances of improving the UK’s survival rates.”

The new CPR and AED questions will be introduced from autumn 2025, giving learners time to familiarise themselves with the updated guidance before sitting their test.