Learner drivers will be tested on their CPR abilities as part of an overhaul to the theory examination.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) – which supervises driving assessments across Britain – explained that motorists frequently find themselves “first on the scene” when someone experiences cardiac arrest.
Incorporating questions about CPR and defibrillators into the theory examination from early next year means applicants will “have a better understanding of the skills to use in an emergency”, it stated.
Over 40,000 individuals across the UK experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, with less than one in 10 surviving.
Studies have shown survival chances can reach as high as 70% when CPR is administered and a defibrillator employed within three to five minutes of collapse.
DVSA chief driving examiner Mark Winn stated: “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.
“Learning CPR and how to use a defibrillator is a very simple skill, and adding this into the official learning resource is a great way for DVSA to support the drive to raise awareness.”
The campaign for this modification was spearheaded by Professor Len Nokes – chairman of the Save a Life Cymru initiative – whose 24 year old daughter Claire passed away in 2017 from complications after suffering a cardiac arrest.
He stated: “When Claire, my daughter, had her cardiac arrest, some knowledge of CPR might have made a difference.
“I don’t want any other family to go through this experience.
“All of us in this partnership hope that by making CPR and how to use a defibrillator part of the theory test, we will be able to significantly increase the number of people who have this life-saving awareness.”
James Cant, chief executive of charity Resuscitation Council UK, said: “By embedding these life-saving skills into such a widely-taken assessment, we can help ensure that more people, from all communities, gain the knowledge and confidence to act during a cardiac arrest.”
Pupils must successfully complete the theory driving examination before they can schedule a practical assessment.
Theory test hopefuls are required to achieve a minimum of 43 correct answers from 50 multiple-choice questions, spanning topics including road signage, highway regulations, vehicle safety and first aid.
Candidates must also successfully complete a hazard perception video examination.
Over two million theory tests are sat annually, with approximately 45% of candidates achieving a pass.
