Learner Drivers to Face CPR and Defibrillator Questions in New Theory Tests

Published: 13 August. The English Chronicle Desk

Learner drivers in the UK will soon be required to demonstrate life-saving CPR skills as part of their driving theory tests. From early next year, new questions covering CPR techniques and the use of defibrillators will be included, ensuring that aspiring drivers are prepared to act in emergencies.

To progress to a practical driving test, learners must still achieve a minimum of 43 out of 50 correct answers in their theory exams. The addition of CPR questions aims to reinforce the role of drivers as responsible and safety-conscious individuals, capable of responding to critical situations on the road.

“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,” said Mark Winn, chief driving examiner at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). “Learning CPR and how to use a defibrillator is a very simple skill.”

According to the DVSA, over 40,000 people in the UK experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, with motorists often among the first to respond. Currently, fewer than one in ten survive such incidents. However, timely administration of CPR and use of a defibrillator within three to five minutes can increase survival rates to as high as 70%.

The campaign to include life-saving skills in the theory test was spearheaded by Professor Len Nokes, chair of Save a Life Cymru, following the death of his 24-year-old daughter, Claire, in 2017 due to cardiac arrest complications. “When Claire had her cardiac arrest, some knowledge of CPR might have made a difference. We hope that by making CPR and defibrillator use part of the theory test, more people will have this life-saving awareness,” he said.

The DVSA believes this change will significantly enhance the preparedness of future drivers, equipping them to act decisively in emergencies and potentially save lives.