DVSA to add CPR and defibrillators to driving theory test
The DVSA, which oversees driving tests in Britain, said motorists are often 'first on the scene' when someone suffers a cardiac arrest.
Adding questions on CPR and defibrillators to the theory test from early next year means candidates will 'have a better understanding of the skills to use in an emergency', it added.
An incredibly moving feature on @BBCBreakfast this morning featuring footballer and BHF Ambassador Tom Lockyer. 👇
Take 15 minutes out of your day today to learn CPR with our free online training tool RevivR. It could help you to save a life. https://t.co/6K8bRuIPug https://t.co/6eyFxERCxD — British Heart Foundation (@TheBHF) August 7, 2025
DVSA to make change to theory driving test content
More than 40,000 people in the UK suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year, with fewer than one in 10 surviving.
Research has found survival rates can be as high as 70% if CPR is given and a defibrillator is used within three to five minutes of collapse.
DVSA chief driving examiner, Mark Winn, 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 a defibrillator 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.'
The push for the change was led by Professor Len Nokes, chair of the Save a Life Cymru scheme, whose 24-year-old daughter Claire died in 2017 from complications following a cardiac arrest.
He said: 'When Claire, my daughter, had her cardiac arrest, some knowledge of CPR might have made a difference.
'I don't want any other family to go through this experience.
'All of us in this partnership hope that by making CPR and how to use a defibrillator part of the theory test, we will be able to significantly increase the number of people who have this life-saving awareness.'
James Cant, chief executive of charity Resuscitation Council UK, said: 'By embedding these life-saving skills into such a widely-taken assessment, we can help ensure that more people, from all communities, gain the knowledge and confidence to act during a cardiac arrest.'
What does a driving theory test mean for learner drivers?
Learners must pass the theory driving test before booking a practical test.
Theory test candidates must get at least 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions correct, covering areas such as road signs, traffic laws, vehicle safety and first aid.
10 obscure driving laws you may not know
They must also pass a hazard perception video test with the theory examination.
More than two million theory tests are taken each year, with a pass rate of about 45%.
What is a defibrillator?
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) explained: 'A defibrillator is a device that gives a jolt of energy to the heart. It helps get the heart beating again when someone is in cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped.
'You might also hear it being called a defib, a PAD (public access defibrillator) or an AED (automated external defibrillator).'
The BHF added: 'Anyone can use a defibrillator. You do not need training. Once you turn it on, it will give clear step-by-step voice instructions.
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'Many defibrillators also have visual prompts and images showing how to use it.
'The device checks the person's heart rhythm and will only tell you to give them a shock if it's needed. You cannot shock yourself or someone else accidentally.'
What to do if someone is in cardiac arrest
The BHF has shared some advice for what to do if you see someone in cardiac arrest: 'If someone is in cardiac arrest, call 999 and start CPR. If you're on your own, do not interrupt CPR to go and find a defibrillator.
'If it's possible, send someone else to find one. When you call 999, the operator can tell you if there's a public access defibrillator nearby.'
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