DVSA Adds Life-Saving First Aid Questions to Theory Test from 2026
Starting early 2026, the DVSA is introducing new first aid questions to the Driving Theory Test —an update designed to equip learner drivers with vital life-saving knowledge. With over 2.4 million theory tests taken each year, this change will help to prevent avoidable deaths.
Why It Matters
Drivers are often the first on the scene when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. According to the DVSA, this update aims to ensure that new drivers are better prepared to act in those critical moments. The new questions will cover:
- CPR techniques
- How to use a defibrillator (AED)
These additions reflect current best practice and come at no extra cost, no increase in test time, and no added difficulty—just smarter, more relevant content.
The Stats Behind the Change
Data from Resuscitation Council UK reveals that more than 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the UK. Yet, fewer than 1 in 10 people survive. The good news? When CPR is administered and an AED is used within 3 to 5 minutes of collapse, survival rates can soar to 70%.
What This Means for Learners
This update isn’t just about passing a test—it’s about being prepared to save a life. By embedding first aid knowledge into the learning journey, the DVSA is helping shape a generation of drivers who are not only road-ready but emergency-ready too.
Our Take
At Geoff Capes Driving School, we’re delighted with these changes as we believe driving is more than just mastering the road—it’s about responsibility, awareness, and readiness.