Latest news with #DrivingandVehicleStandardsAgency
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Tricky new questions learner drivers will need to answer in theory test
The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency has announced that driver theory test will include questions on CPR and defibrillators for the first time starting next year Learner drivers are set for a shake-up in their theory tests from next year, with the introduction of new first aid questions. The fresh questions will focus on enhanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), building on existing first aid content that has been part of driver education for years. The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) hopes this move will help increase survival rates from cardiac arrests. In a post on X, the government agency announced: "DVSA is proud to introduce CPR and defibrillator questions to theory tests. "There are over 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests yearly – would you know how to help?" In other related news, UK drivers are warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule. Starting from autumn 2025, those taking car and motorcycle theory tests will need to get to grips with these new topics: CPR techniques, including proper hand placement and compression rates How to use automated external defibrillators These questions will be added to other theory test types at a later date. This knowledge builds on existing first aid content in driving education materials. Official DVSA learning guides for car drivers have already been updated with improved information about these life-saving techniques. This initiative is part of a collaboration between the DVSA and leading organisations including Save a Life programmes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, plus the Resuscitation Council UK. James Cant, chief executive officer of Resuscitation Council UK, said: "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." Mark Winn, DVSA chief driving examiner, added: "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." Warning signs indicating someone has suffered a cardiac arrest include: The person appears not to be breathing The person is not moving The person is not responding to any stimulation, such as being touched or spoken to READ MORE: DVLA driving licence changes: Everything we know on 'biggest change in decades' Motorists frequently arrive first when someone experiences cardiac arrest, reports the Daily Record. Statistics from Resuscitation Council UK reveal over 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen across the UK annually, yet less than 1 in 10 victims currently survive. Nevertheless, when CPR is administered and an AED deployed within 3 to 5 minutes of collapse, survival chances can soar to 70 per cent. Each minute without CPR and defibrillation cuts survival odds by up to 10%, making swift bystander action vital whilst awaiting paramedics. Typical situations where motorists might require CPR knowledge encompass traffic collisions, roadside emergencies and service station incidents. The fresh questions will assess practical understanding that could preserve lives. Examples include: An adult casualty is not breathing. To maintain circulation, CPR should be given. What's the correct depth to press down on their chest? 1 to 2 centimetres 5 to 6 centimetres (correct answer) 10 to 15 centimetres 15 to 20 centimetres Who can use a public access defib rillator (AED)? Paramedics only First aiders only Doctors only Everyone (correct answer) The driving theory test, a prerequisite for learner drivers before they can book their practical driving test, is composed of two parts. It includes 50 multiple choice questions from a pool of over 700, covering topics ranging from road signs and vehicle safety to hazard awareness, with a pass mark of 43 out of 50. Additionally, it features a hazard perception segment in the form of a video test about identifying hazards on the road. Both sections must be passed to succeed in the overall test. According to the DVSA, approximately 2.4 million theory tests are taken annually, with a pass rate of 45.7% between July and September 2024. This implies that each year, hundreds of thousands of individuals will acquire knowledge of life-saving skills through the enhanced questions.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Learner drivers will answer new questions in theory test from 2026
From next year, driving theory tests will include new CPR questions and, for the first time, questions about defibrillators. Learner drivers will face some new questions in their theory tests from next year, it has been announced. The questions will be enhanced first aid questions building on existing first aid content that has been part of driver education for years. Those sitting the test will now study content on enhanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and on automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the first time. The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) hopes it will boost cardiac arrest survival rates. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the government agency said: "DVSA is proud to introduce CPR and defibrillator questions to theory tests. There are over 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests yearly – would you know how to help? From autumn 2025, car and motorcycle theory test candidates will need to familiarise themselves with: CPR techniques including proper hand placement and compression rates how to use automated external defibrillators The questions will be added to other theory test types later. The knowledge builds on existing first aid content in driving education materials. Official DVSA learning guides for car drivers have already been updated with improved information about these life-saving techniques. The enhanced questions is part of a collaboration between DVSA and leading organisations including Save a Life programmes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, plus Resuscitation Council UK. James Cant, Chief Executive Officer of Resuscitation Council UK, said: "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." Mark Winn, DVSA Chief Driving Examiner, added: "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." Signs and symptoms that suggest a person has gone into cardiac arrest include: they appear not to be breathing they're not moving they do not respond to any stimulation, such as being touched or spoken to Drivers are often first on the scene when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. Data from Resuscitation Council UK shows more than 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the UK each year, but fewer than 1 in 10 people currently survive. However, when CPR is given and an AED used within 3 to 5 minutes of collapse, survival rates can reach 70 per cent. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10%, making immediate bystander intervention crucial while waiting for emergency services. Common scenarios where drivers might need CPR skills include road traffic accidents, roadside emergencies and service area incidents. The new questions will test practical knowledge that could save lives. Examples include: An adult casualty is not breathing. To maintain circulation, CPR should be given. What's the correct depth to press down on their chest? 1 to 2 centimetres 5 to 6 centimetres (correct answer) 10 to 15 centimetres 15 to 20 centimetres Who can use a public access defibrillator (AED)? Paramedics only First aiders only Doctors only Everyone (correct answer) The driving theory test is taken by learner drivers before they can book their driving test. The test has 2 parts that are booked and taken together. It includes 50 multiple choice questions from a bank of more than 700 covering topics from road signs and vehicle safety to hazard awareness. The pass rate is 43 out of 50 correct. It also includes hazard perception in the form of a video test about spotting hazards on the road. Both parts must be passed to pass the overall test. The DVSA said around 2.4 million theory tests are taken each year, with a pass rate of 45.7% between July and September 2024. This means that hundreds of thousands of people annually will gain knowledge of life-saving skills through the enhanced questions.
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
How to become driving instructor after Government pledges to clear backlog of learners waiting to take tests
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APRIL is the most common month for learners to pass their driving test and it's peak season for career changers to sign up as driving instructors too. With the lighter evenings seeing more learners taking to the roads, new research from the AA Driving School shows one in 20 drivers has supervised a learner in the last 12 months, supporting trainees with more than five million hours of private practice. 2 AA Driving School franchisee Nick Carter first tested his instruction abilities supervising his son as a learner Credit: Supplied Taking to the passenger seat can also inspire a new career, with 23 per cent considering switching to become a driving instructor — however there is a serious shortage of instructors nationwide. The pandemic saw many older instructors retire and the average age for current instructors is 52. This week the Government pledged to clear the backlog of people waiting to take tests by providing at least 10,000 extra tests each month, but more instructors and test staff are urgently needed. Mark Born, who is head of instructor training at the AA Driving School, said: There is a lot of demand for driving lessons at the moment, making 2025 a great time to become a driving instructor. 'Passing your driving test is a real milestone and helping someone achieve that is a great feeling. It's no wonder so many people start to think about driving instruction as a career once they have experienced the satisfaction that comes from helping someone fulfil their driving dream.' AA Driving School franchisee Nick Carter first tested his instruction abilities supervising his son as a learner. When Covid hit, Nick decided the time was right to make a change and train as an instructor. Nick, 57, from Weymouth, Dorset, said: 'I taught my son to drive seven years ago and we're still talking. When the time came to change career it seemed an obvious choice. 'I'd been a teacher previously so a lot of those skills came back into play, such as being patient and having a rapport with pupils. 'My work-life balance is much better now and I have a lot more job satisfaction.' I'm a driving instructor and here is how to avoid failing your test To train as instructor, you must be aged at least 21 and have held a driving licence for more than three years, without holding any motoring convictions. You'll need to register with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency. And get a DBS check to start your application. Training consists of both a theory and practical driving ability test followed by an instructional ability exam. Once qualified as an Approved Driving Instructor, annual salaries can range from £15,000 to £60,000 per year depending on the number of hours worked. 'Amazing satisfaction of seeing pupils pass' Many instructors work flexibly, fitting their work around other commitments. Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driver Training, said: 'The role of a driving instructor can offer many benefits including steady and rewarding professional work, and the opportunity to maintain flexibility in working hours and locations. Then there's the amazing satisfaction of seeing your learners passing their test safely, successfully and achieving the freedom of the road.' Find out more at: Office lovers should fess up A THIRD of UK bosses believe employees should disclose workplace relationships to their managers. With 30 per cent of employees admitting to a fling at work, declaring office romances could add thousands of extra hours to HR departments' work each year. 2 A third of UK bosses believe employees should disclose workplace relationships to their managers Credit: Getty As a result, the study from Employment Hero shows 15 per cent believe romantic relationships should be avoided altogether at work, while under a quarter of managers felt office romances should remain private. Kevin Fitzgerald, UK MD at Employment Hero, said: 'Workplace relationships are a fact of life, and businesses need to find the right approach to managing them. 'What's important is that businesses foster a culture of openness and professionalism so that workplace relationships don't lead to unnecessary complications. Consistency is key, so employees know where they stand.' JOB SPOT ENGINEERING giant Amey has apprenticeship roles available for network cable installers, business administration, public relations and highways apprentices. Apply for a position at LinkedIn key amid lay-offs AS one in four UK firms plan to lay off staff, getting your LinkedIn profile in shape now will help if the worst does happen. Here Payman Taei, founder of AI presentation firm shares his expert advice. YOUR PROFILE PICTURE Look the part: Dress professionally, as you would for an interview. A genuine smile and eye contact make you look approachable and trustworthy. Dress professionally, as you would for an interview. A genuine smile and eye contact make you look approachable and trustworthy. Keep it simple : Ensure you have a clean, uncluttered background that doesn't distract from your face. : Ensure you have a clean, uncluttered background that doesn't distract from your face. Quality counts: Use a clear, well-lit, high-resolution photo. Avoid blurry images. Headshot only, not a full-length image. Use a clear, well-lit, high-resolution photo. Avoid blurry images. Headshot only, not a full-length image. Make sure it fits: Check your photo is correctly sized and formatted for LinkedIn. CREATING STANDOUT LINKEDIN BANNER Get the size right : Keep the banner 1,584 x 396 pixels and use sharp image (ideally 300 DPI). : Keep the banner 1,584 x 396 pixels and use sharp image (ideally 300 DPI). Reflect your work : Use images that show what you do. For example, a PA might choose an Excel spreadsheet and a phone. : Use images that show what you do. For example, a PA might choose an Excel spreadsheet and a phone. Brag a little: Add in any awards or projects to show off your skills and a link to your site if you have one. Add in any awards or projects to show off your skills and a link to your site if you have one. Test across devices: Make sure that your banner displays correctly on both computers and phones. Boost health by WFH WORKING from home could help your health. According to a new study, hybrid staff take fewer sick days, are less stressed and enjoy improved levels of health and wellbeing. The study from the International Workplace Group suggests 71 per cent of hybrid staff make time for preventative healthcare such as check-ups and lifestyle changes, while 69 per cent said flexible employment helped them better manage existing health conditions. Dr Sara Kayat, NHS GP and TV doctor, said: 'Hybrid working models are offering employees not only greater flexibility but also tangible health benefits. "By reducing the physical and mental strain of long daily commutes, workers reduce stress. "This is not only improving their overall wellbeing but also helping businesses by reducing the costs associated with absenteeism and burnout.' JOB SPOT CURRYS is recruiting delivery and install drivers, and sales colleagues. Search for roles at
