New Theory Test Update Highlights First Aid Knowledge Gaps

The UK driving theory test has evolved since its launch in 1996 when it had 35 questions. Today, the theory test includes 50 multiple-choice questions, and an additional hazard perception test.
In 2026, the theory test will receive an update, introducing questions focusing on CPR and defibrillator use to improve the public’s response to cardiac arrests. With this update, new drivers will learn first aid knowledge, but what about drivers who have previously passed?

Car insurance expert MoneySuperMarket conducted a study of UK drivers, revealing how confident motorists feel about using a defibrillator, as well as life-saving CPR techniques.

The survey revealed that 45% of UK drivers would feel confident using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a casualty in the event of an emergency, but 32% said they wouldn’t feel confident – the equivalent of over 13 million* drivers.

The findings also suggest that first aid knowledge may be stronger in younger age groups, with 38% of 18–24-year-olds answering the correct CPR pace, compared to 12% of over-55s.

What’s more, 29% of 25-34-year-olds knew the correct CPR depth, compared to only 14% of over-55s. This difference in knowledge when it comes to first aid may depend on whether people have had access to updated learning and modern safety guidance, as those drivers aged 55+ did not have to take a theory test with this information.

And drivers agree, as 57% believe those who passed their practical test a long time ago (or didn’t take a theory test) may lack first aid knowledge, and 60% think those drivers should have access to additional learning support.

Drivers’ understanding of AEDs

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices used to treat sudden cardiac arrest and are designed to be used by anyone, no training required, but the findings show that uncertainty and misconceptions about these devices is still common.

One in six (15%) drivers believe that defibrillators can only be used by trained people, and 16% think you must read an instruction booklet first. This is incorrect, as defibrillators are designed to guide users with spoken and visual instructions, an option correctly identified by 61% of drivers in the survey.

There was also a misunderstanding when it came to locating an AED. When asked about the most effective way to locate a defibrillator, 66% correctly said to follow guidance from the 999-call handler.

However, interestingly, 6% of drivers incorrectly assumed that to locate a defibrillator, you would search through the casualty’s personal items, and one in ten (10%) wrongly thought they should use their car’s satellite navigation system, or GPS.

To help UK drivers understand the importance of this knowledge, MoneySuperMarket spoke with First Aid Expert, Emma Hammett: “CPR circulates oxygenated blood to the heart and brain, the breaths help re-oxygenate the blood, and an AED enables the heart to reboot and return to beating effectively.

“AEDs are critical to survival and make a huge difference. If someone is in a shockable rhythm and an AED is deployed within 3 minutes, their chance of survival soars from around 6% to 74%.

“There is a 10% reduction in mortality for every 1-minute delay, so at 10 minutes we are back to a 6% survival rate, despite giving effective CPR.

“The UK survival rates radically lag behind the rest of Europe, however, the key development is that more people undertake some form of practical or online first aid training, and are able to start CPR as soon as possible if someone collapses and stops breathing – the updated driving theory test helps contribute to this push.”

Alicia Hempsted, Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “With defibrillator knowledge becoming more important in the UK driving theory test, it’s clear that road safety now goes beyond driving skills.

“Our research shows there’s still a gap in awareness, but that also means there is a great opportunity to change that. That’s why we’ve created a simple first aid tool to help all drivers, new and old, brush up on the basics and potentially save a life if they ever encounter a roadside emergency.”