Learner drivers in the UK will now be required to answer questions on CPR and defibrillator use as part of their theory test, following an update by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The move aims to improve public awareness of life-saving techniques, potentially reducing fatalities in emergencies.
Why the Change Matters
With over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the UK, bystander intervention can dramatically improve survival rates. The DVSA hopes that incorporating this training into the driving test will create a generation of motorists equipped to assist in emergencies.
What’s New in the Theory Test?
The updated test now includes:
- Multiple-choice questions on basic CPR techniques
- Guidance on how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Scenario-based questions assessing first aid awareness
These additions align with the government’s broader strategy to enhance public health preparedness.
Expert Reactions
Road safety campaigners have welcomed the change, noting that drivers often witness or are first on the scene of accidents. Medical professionals also support the initiative, emphasising that early CPR can double or even triple survival chances in cardiac arrest cases.
The DVSA has confirmed that the new questions will not increase the difficulty of the test but will instead replace existing questions on first aid.
