From early 2026, the UK driving theory test will include questions on CPR and defibrillator use, following an announcement by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The change is designed to equip new drivers with essential life-saving knowledge, recognising that drivers are often first on the scene during medical emergencies.
The move follows years of campaigning by Professor Len Nokes, whose daughter Claire tragically died in 2017 after a cardiac arrest. Research shows that prompt CPR and defibrillation can increase survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from under 10% to as high as 70%.
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) has been at the forefront of promoting these critical skills through its CPR Smart™ programme. The initiative offers free CPR and defibrillator training to schools across Essex and Hertfordshire, with sessions delivered by EHAAT’s critical care paramedics and clinical team.
The programme is designed to make CPR training simple, engaging, and memorable, giving students and teachers the confidence to act quickly in an emergency. Each school that takes part receives hands-on practice with resuscitation manikins and training defibrillators, as well as lesson resources to embed CPR learning into the school curriculum.
By the end of 2025, EHAAT will have trained hundreds of students and staff, building a growing network of “CPR Champions” who will take these skills into their homes, communities, and future workplaces. This proactive approach ensures the next generation is prepared to meet the DVSA’s new requirements, giving young people the opportunity to master life-saving skills long before they sit their driving test.
Adam Carr, EHAAT Critical Care Paramedic and Clinical Community Lead, said:
“We’re delighted with the news that CPR and defibrillation will now be included in the driving test. Every day, we see examples of people surviving as a result of early CPR. We’re passionate about our CPR Smart™ programme which supports schools in the delivery of CPR training, and this driving test initiative will provide even more opportunities for loved ones to survive.”
Dr Gareth Grier, Associate Medical Director at EHAAT, said:
“There is an urgent need to increase the number of opportunities for people to receive bystander CPR. In countries where there is a high incidence of bystander CPR, outcomes from cardiac arrest are hugely improved. This really matters to patients and their families, and we see the enormous impact of this literally every day. Everyone can do CPR, and everyone can use a defibrillator. For anyone preparing for their driving test, there are plenty of resources online, including our life-saving CPR training videos which you can access on our website.”
To watch EHAAT’s easy to follow life-saving videos visit ehaat.org
On average Essex & Herts Air Ambulance crews attend to 1,900 patients a year. As a charity, EHAAT relies on public support to keep its advanced helicopter emergency medical service running 24/7, 365 days a year. To find out more and to donate, please visit ehaat.org