CPR and Defibrillators: The New Theory Test Questions You Need to Know in 2026

Your Complete Study Guide to Life-Saving Skills on the UK Driving Theory Test

If you’re preparing for your driving theory test in 2026, there’s a new section you need to know about—and it could literally save a life. From early 2026, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is introducing questions on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the first time in the test’s history.

This isn’t just about passing your test. With approximately 2.4 million theory tests taken each year in the UK, this change will equip hundreds of thousands of people with knowledge that could make the difference between life and death in a roadside emergency.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ace these new questions—and more importantly, to feel confident if you ever need to use these skills in real life.

Why This Change Matters: The Cardiac Arrest Crisis

Before diving into the practical knowledge, it’s crucial to understand why the DVSA is making this change.

The Stark Statistics

The UK faces a cardiac arrest survival crisis. More than 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually, yet fewer than one in ten people survive. In England specifically, only around 8% of patients survived 30 days after a cardiac arrest during 2022—a decrease from the previous year.

Compare this to the potential: when CPR is administered and an AED is used within three to five minutes of collapse, survival rates can soar to as high as 70%. That’s a seven-fold increase in survival chances—simply from immediate bystander intervention.

The Time Factor

Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10%. The average ambulance response time is 6.9 minutes—which means that in many cases, bystander CPR is the only thing keeping someone alive until professional help arrives.

Why Drivers?

Drivers are often first on the scene when cardiac arrests happen, whether after a collision, at a service station, or simply encountering someone who has collapsed at the roadside. As Mark Winn, DVSA Chief Driving Examiner, explained: “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”.

Common scenarios where you might need these skills include:

Road traffic incidents: Collisions may cause cardiac arrest from trauma or shock
Service area emergencies: Medical emergencies at motorway services, petrol stations, and car parks
Roadside collapses: People exercising, elderly pedestrians, or those with underlying heart conditions collapsing in public spaces
Driver cardiac arrests: Drivers themselves suffering cardiac arrest, which can cause incidents

The Current Gap

Despite the urgent need, members of the public performed CPR in over 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases but used a public-access defibrillator in fewer than 10% of cases. This low defibrillator usage is partly due to lack of awareness and confidence—exactly what this theory test change aims to address.

What’s Changing in the Theory Test

The Basic Facts

From 2026, driving theory tests will include enhanced CPR questions and, for the first time, questions about defibrillators. Here’s what you need to know:

When: Early 2026 (likely February–March) Which tests: Car and motorcycle theory tests initially; other vehicle categories to follow Test format: Multiple-choice questions in the existing 50-question section Pass mark: No change—remains at 43 out of 50 Cost: No increase Duration: No change—the test won’t be longer

Key point: This change will not make the test harder or more expensive, but you will need to revise these new topics alongside road signs and hazard perception.

What You’ll Be Tested On

According to the DVSA, the new questions will cover:

Recognising cardiac arrest – Signs such as unconsciousness, lack of breathing, and no response
CPR technique – Correct hand placement, compression depth (5–6 cm), and compression rate (100–120 per minute)
Using an AED – How to switch it on, follow prompts, place pads properly, and follow safety steps
Correct order of actions – Calling 999, starting CPR, and using an AED as soon as one is available
When CPR is needed – Understanding the circumstances requiring immediate intervention

Example Questions

New multiple-choice questions include: “An adult casualty is not breathing. To maintain circulation, CPR should be given. What’s the correct depth to push down on their chest?”

Understanding Cardiac Arrest: What It Is and What Causes It

To answer theory test questions correctly, you need to understand what cardiac arrest actually is.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

A cardiac arrest is when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood around your body. This is not the same as a heart attack, though a heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest.

Key distinction:

Heart attack: Blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked (circulation problem)
Cardiac arrest: The heart stops beating entirely (electrical problem)

Cardiac arrests can be caused by heart attacks, which occur when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, triggering dangerous heart rhythms that stop the heart from pumping effectively.

Recognising Cardiac Arrest: The Critical Signs

You must be able to recognise cardiac arrest to know when CPR is needed. Look for these signs:

✓ Unconsciousness – The person does not respond to your voice or touch ✓ Not breathing or not breathing normally – No chest movement, or only gasping/irregular breathing ✓ No response – No movement, no sounds, completely unresponsive

Important: If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, assume cardiac arrest and start CPR immediately. Don’t waste time checking for a pulse—that’s for trained medical professionals.

CPR: The Technique That Saves Lives

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It’s the manual technique of keeping blood circulating when the heart has stopped.

The DR ABC Approach

The UK uses the “DR ABC” method to remember the steps:

D – Danger: Check the scene is safe for you to approach R – Response: Check if the person responds to your voice or touch A – Airway: Open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin (for trained responders) B – Breathing: Check if they’re breathing normally C – Circulation: Start chest compressions if they’re not breathing

For your theory test and real-life situations, focus on: Check for danger → Check for response → Call 999 → Start CPR.

Hands-Only CPR: What You Need to Know

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK has emphasised “hands-only CPR” for the general public. This means:

Do: Give continuous chest compressions Don’t: Give rescue breaths (unless you’re trained and willing, particularly for family members)

Hands-only CPR is very effective and is the recommended way to give CPR since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Correct Technique for Chest Compressions

This is what you’ll be tested on—memorise these numbers:

Hand Placement

Position: Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone
Second hand: Place your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers
Arms: Keep your arms straight with your shoulders directly above your hands
Body position: Kneel beside the person at chest level

Compression Depth

For adults, compressions should be 5–6 cm deep (about 2–2.4 inches).

Theory test answer: “5 to 6 centimetres” or “at least 5 cm”

Why this matters: Shallow compressions don’t generate enough blood flow to the brain and vital organs. You need to push hard enough to compress the chest by about one-third of its depth.

Compression Rate

Compressions should be performed at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.

Theory test answer: “100 to 120 compressions per minute”

Memory aid: Try pushing to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. Other songs with the right tempo include “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen and “Dancing Queen” by ABBA.

Allowing Full Recoil

After each compression, you must allow the chest to return to its normal position. This is called “full recoil” and it’s essential—it allows the heart to refill with blood between compressions.

Don’t: Keep constant pressure or lean on the chest Do: Release completely after each push whilst keeping your hands in position

When to Stop

Continue CPR without stopping until:

Emergency services arrive and take over
An AED becomes available and is ready to use
The person shows signs of life (starts breathing normally, coughing, or moving)
You’re physically unable to continue

CPR for Children and Infants

You might see questions about paediatric CPR, though the focus will be on adults. Here are the key differences:

Children (1–8 years):

Compression depth: approximately 5 cm (one-third of chest depth)
Use one or two hands depending on the child’s size
Rate: same as adults (100–120 per minute)

Infants (under 1 year):

Compression depth: approximately 4 cm (one-third of chest depth)
Use two fingers placed just below the nipple line
Rate: same as adults (100–120 per minute)

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Your Complete Guide

An AED is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. They’re found in public places across the UK.

Where to Find AEDs

Public-access defibrillators are typically located in:

Shopping centres and supermarkets
Train stations and airports
Sports facilities and leisure centres
Schools and universities
Office buildings
Motorway service stations
Community centres and libraries
Some phone boxes and post offices

Look for green signs with a white heart and lightning bolt symbol.

Can Anyone Use an AED?

YES! This is a critical point for your theory test.

Defibrillators are designed for public use and can be safely operated by anyone, even without prior training, thanks to clear step-by-step voice prompts built into the devices.

Theory test answer: “Yes, anyone can use a public defibrillator—they give voice instructions”

You don’t need:

Special training or certification
To be medically qualified
Permission to use one
To worry about “doing it wrong”—the device won’t let you shock someone who doesn’t need it

How to Use an AED: Step-by-Step

If you’re tested on AED use, remember this sequence:

1. Turn on the AED

Open the case or press the power button
The device will start giving voice instructions immediately

2. Expose the chest

Remove or cut away clothing to expose the person’s bare chest
Wipe away any water, sweat, or excessive chest hair if needed

3. Attach the pads

Take the adhesive pads from the AED
Peel off the backing
Place one pad on the upper-right side of the chest (below the collarbone)
Place the other pad on the left side of the chest (below and to the left of the nipple)
The pads usually have diagrams showing exactly where to place them
Press down firmly to ensure good contact with the skin

4. Follow the AED’s instructions

The device will analyse the heart rhythm
Stand clear: Don’t touch the person whilst the AED analyses
If a shock is advised, the AED will tell you to press the shock button
Make sure no one is touching the person before you press the button
Clearly say “Stand clear!” before delivering a shock

5. Continue CPR

After the shock (or if no shock is advised), immediately resume chest compressions
The AED will guide you, telling you when to continue CPR and when to pause for analysis
Follow all voice prompts until emergency services arrive

Important AED Safety Points

When the AED is analysing or delivering a shock:

Nobody should touch the patient
Make sure you’re not kneeling in water
Announce “Stand clear!” to warn others
Check that no one is touching the person before pressing the shock button

Special situations:

If the person is lying in water, move them to a dry area first
If they have a pacemaker (you’ll feel a hard lump under the skin), place the AED pad at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from it
If the person has a hairy chest and the pads won’t stick, either shave the area quickly (some AED kits include a razor) or press down firmly

Why Defibrillators Work

The initial rhythm is shockable in approximately 1 in 4 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (22-25%). When a heart is in a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia), an electric shock can reset it to a normal rhythm.

However, even if the heart isn’t in a shockable rhythm, the AED will tell you—and CPR alone can still save lives by maintaining circulation until the heart starts again or until advanced medical care arrives.

The Correct Sequence: Putting It All Together

For your theory test, you need to know the correct order of actions. Here’s the complete sequence:

If You Find Someone Collapsed

Step 1: Check for danger (2 seconds)

Make sure the scene is safe for you to approach
Don’t put yourself at risk

Step 2: Check for response (5 seconds)

Gently shake their shoulders
Shout loudly: “Are you alright?”
If they respond, they’re not in cardiac arrest—deal with any injuries and call for help
If they don’t respond, move to step 3 immediately

Step 3: Shout for help (2 seconds)

Call out loudly for someone to help you
If someone comes, ask them to call 999 and find a defibrillator whilst you start CPR

Step 4: Call 999 (30 seconds)

If you’re alone, call 999 on speakerphone so you can start CPR whilst talking
Give your location clearly
Tell them the person is unconscious and not breathing
Follow the dispatcher’s instructions—they can guide you through CPR

Step 5: Open the airway and check breathing (10 seconds)

Tilt the head back gently by lifting the chin
Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing
If they’re not breathing normally (or only gasping), they’re in cardiac arrest

Step 6: Start CPR immediately

Begin chest compressions: 100–120 per minute at a depth of 5–6 cm
Continue without stopping
If you’re trained and willing, give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions

Step 7: Use the AED as soon as it arrives

Don’t delay CPR waiting for an AED
When it arrives, turn it on and follow its instructions
One person continues CPR whilst another attaches the AED pads
Follow all voice prompts from the AED

Step 8: Continue until help arrives

Keep going until emergency services take over
Don’t stop unless the person starts breathing normally
If you must stop (e.g., you’re exhausted), try to find someone to take over

Key Principles to Remember

“Call, Push, Shock” is a simple memory aid:

Call 999
Push hard and fast on the chest (CPR)
Shock with an AED if available

Time is critical: Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10%. Don’t hesitate—immediate action is essential.

Common Theory Test Questions and Answers

Let’s look at typical questions you might face:

Question 1: Compression Depth

Q: An adult casualty isn’t breathing. To maintain circulation, CPR should be given. What’s the correct depth to push down on their chest?

A: 5 to 6 centimetres