New driving theory test questions could help you save a life – here’s why it matters

For the first time, learner drivers will be tested on how to perform CPR and how to use a defibrillator (AED) on their theory test from this autumn. These changes won’t make the test longer, harder, or more expensive – but they could make a huge difference in an emergency.

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But why is this important? Every year in the UK, more than 40,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest outside the hospital. Fewer than 1 in 10 survive. But if CPR is started quickly and a defibrillator is used within minutes, survival rates can jump to as high as 70%.

And here’s the thing: drivers are often first at the scene. Whether it’s a road traffic collision, someone collapsing at a service station, or a jogger in distress on the pavement, drivers could be the ones standing between life and death in those first few critical minutes.

When someone’s heart stops, their chance of survival drops by about 10% for every minute without CPR or defibrillation. Quick actions keep blood and oxygen flowing to vital organs until paramedics arrive, preventing brain damage and giving them the best shot at recovery.

Why adding this to the theory test works

Around 2.4 million people take the theory test every year. By updating the questions, hundreds of thousands of new drivers will leave with important life-saving knowledge.

These changes won’t add extra time, costs, or complexity – just vital skills built into existing training.

So, here’s what new drivers will learn:

• How to spot cardiac arrest symptoms quickly.
• How to give CPR correctly, including hand position and compression speed.
• How to use automated external defibrillators confidently.

Public-accessed defibrillators are still used in fewer than 10% of cardiac arrests, often because people aren’t sure how to use them. This move means more people will not only know what to do but also feel confident enough to act.

So, if you’re learning to drive and have your theory test booked (or if you’re planning to book it) for next year, it’s a good time to brush up on your CPR and defibrillation skills too.

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