Latest news with #drivingtheorytest
Auto Express
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
UK driving test changes: life-saving skills now required as part of theory exam
Taking your driving theory test is sure to get your heart racing, but from the beginning of 2026, learners will be expected to answer questions surrounding life-saving techniques. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which is responsible for conducting driving tests, says that learning these skills is vital because 'drivers are often first on the scene when someone suffers a cardiac arrest'. Specific questions will be asked regarding basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), as well as how to use a defibrillator. Details of this can already be found within DVSA learning materials, meaning learner drivers preparing to take their theory test in the new year can get clued up on the type of questions they might be asked in the exam. Advertisement - Article continues below The push to introduce such questions into the driving theory test was spearheaded by the medical director at Cardiff City FC and chair of Save a Life Cymru, Professor Len Nokes, who lost his young daughter to cardiac arrest in 2017. 'When Claire, my daughter, had her cardiac arrest, some knowledge of CPR might have made a difference,' Nokes said. '[We] 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.' Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below As of the time of writing, the driving theory test comprises 50 multiple-choice questions spread over 57 minutes – this rose from 35 questions in 2007. Now drivers not only have to achieve a score of at least 43, they must also pass the hazard perception test, which has a minimum pass mark of 44 out of 75. It's not just the theory test that's seen changes recently. Earlier in 2025 the practical driving test saw tweaks mainly centred around fewer stops – particularly emergency stops – and spending more time following directions from a sat-nav. Unfortunately, waiting times for both parts of the test remain stubbornly high, with research by the AA showing that the average wait time as of May 2025 was 21.9 weeks. With over 80 per cent of test centres reporting waits of over five months, it's hoped that additional driving test capacity funded by the Government will reduce this over time. Managing director of the AA Driving School, Emma Bush, said: 'There are signs of recovery, putting both the industry and learners on tenterhooks for more signs of improvement in the coming months.' Buy a car with Auto Express. Our nationwide dealer network has some fantastic cars on offer right now with new, used and leasing deals to choose from... Find a car with the experts New electric Ford pick-up to cost an astonishing £22k New electric Ford pick-up to cost an astonishing £22k Looking for its new Model T moment, Ford USA announces new affordable EV platform, starting with new pick-up truck Car Deal of the Day: this BMW 530e is easy on fuel and your bank account at just over £400 per month Car Deal of the Day: this BMW 530e is easy on fuel and your bank account at just over £400 per month Our Deal of the Day for 9 August is the plug-in hybrid version of BMW's supremely capable executive saloon Fire risk prompts 72,000-car Stellantis UK recall Fire risk prompts 72,000-car Stellantis UK recall 28 models across Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lanica, Peugeot and Vauxhall are impacted by the recall
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Would YOU pass your theory test if you took it again? Only 1% of drivers got full marks on our quiz… see how you fare
Sam Creed, General News Reporter Published: Invalid Date, MORE than half of UK drivers reckon they are up to speed with the Highway Code. But only ONE percent of motorists have managed to pass this theory test with flying colours... do you have what it takes? 8 The driving theory test was introduced in Great Britain on July 1, 1996. Prior to this, learner drivers were only required to take a practical driving test. Based on a small sample of mock test questions, 95% of drivers could fail their driving theory test if they had to retake it today. Answer these 15 random questions - taken from the current UK theory test - to find out if you would achieve the required pass mark. Which of the following is correct? The Highway Code was last updated in March 2010 The Highway Code was last updated in November 2017 The Highway Code was last updated in January 2022 The Highway Code was last updated in February 2025 What must you do when the amber light is flashing at a pelican crossing? Stop and wait for the green light Stop and wait for the red light Give way to pedestrians waiting to cross Give way to pedestrians already on the crossing What colour are the reflective studs between the hard should and the left-hand lane of a motorway? Green Red White Amber Where are you allowed to overtake on a one-way road? Only on the left-hand side Overtaking isn't allowed Only on the right-hand side On either the right or the left What is the meaning of this sign? Tunnel ahead Low bridge ahead Narrow bridge ahead Stop 8 What is the purpose of signs with blue backgrounds (as below)? They direct you to the nearest hard shoulder They provide motorway information They give warnings They give instructions 8 What is the meaning of this sign? Two-way traffic No motor vehicles No overtaking You have priority 8 Which of the following signs indicates a one-way system? A (top left) B (top right) C (bottom left) D (bottom right) 8 When may you use hazard warning lights? When nearing a toucan crossing with cyclists waiting To warn of a hazard on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway When you need to temporarily park on a double yellow line Instead of sounding the horn between 11.30pm and 7.00am What does this sign mean? Cycling permitted No cycling No mounted cyclists past this point Cycle route 8 What does this symbol indicate? Tourist attraction A camping area A diversion route A pedestrian zone 8 Which driving technique can help you to save fuel? Missing out some gears Using lower gears as often as possible Accelerating sharply in each gear Using each gear in turn When should you use the right-hand lane of a three-lane dual carriageway? When you're overtaking or turning right When you're turning right only When you're overtaking only When you're using cruise control What is the overall stopping distance in metres at 40mph? 24 metres 36 metres 50 metres 64 metres Why is a toucan crossing different from a puffin crossing? Moped riders can use it Pedestrians and cyclists can use it together It's controlled by two flashing lights It's controlled by a traffic warden How did you find it? Scroll down below to find the answers. Answers 3 - The Highway Code was last updated in January 2022 4 - Give way to pedestrians already on the crossing 2 - Red 4 - On either the right or the left 1 - Tunnel ahead 4 - They give instructions 3 - No overtaking 2 - B (top right) 2 - To warn of a hazard on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway 4 - Cycle route 3 - A diversion route 1 - Missing out some gears 1 - When you're overtaking or turning right 2 - 36 metres 2 - Pedestrians and cyclists can use it together How did you get on? Successfully answering 13 questions (86%) would see you pass the modern UK theory test - congratulations! If you didn't quite reach the magic number, maybe you should brush up on your Highway Code! 8
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
DVSA announces major change to driving theory test from early 2026
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that learner drivers will start to see an update to the driving theory test from next year. Within the theory test, they will be quizzed on their CPR skills and how to use a defibrillator. 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. 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. Recommended reading: Drivers over 70 face driving bans in UK under new rules shake-up Drivers warned new speed cameras can fine them for more than just speeding 'Safe' drivers warned of 'dangerous' mistake on UK motorways '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.'
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Driving theory test to include CPR first aid questions
People sitting their driving theory test will soon need to swot up on life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills, the UK's Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has decided. All road users are being encouraged to learn the basics and know how to use a defibrillator in an emergency. It's hoped the questions, which will be added to the car and motorcycle theory test in early 2026, could prevent avoidable deaths. Drivers are often first on the scene when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, says the DVSA. Adding the information into the official learning materials means that the 2.4 million learner drivers who take their theory test each year will have a better understanding of the skills to use in an emergency, it says. Learning materials have already been updated with the new content, including questions such as "Who can use a public access defibrillator?" - the answer being "everyone". A defibrillator gives a jolt of energy to the heart, which can help get it beating devices are designed to be user-friendly, with clear CPR is given and a defibrillator used within the first minutes of collapse, survival rates could be as high as 70%, evidence suggests. Without it, fewer than one in 10 survive. If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, call 999 and start CPR straight can be "hands-only" CPR to deliver timely chest compressions to get blood pumping. One of the new theory test questions is about the correct depth to push down. To carry out a chest compression, the NHS advises:kneel next to the person and place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of their chest. Place the palm of your other hand on top of the hand that's on their chest and interlock your fingersposition yourself so your shoulders are directly above your handsusing your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) on their chestkeeping your hands on their chest, release the compression and allow their chest to return to its original positionrepeat these compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 times a minute until an ambulance arrives or for as long as you can James Cant, chief executive of Resuscitation Council UK, said: "We're delighted to be working with the DVSA and other partners to introduce CPR and defibrillator awareness into the driving theory test."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."
