DVSA Updates Theory Test: What New CPR & Defibrillator Requirements Mean for You

A New Focus on Life-Saving Skills

The DVSA has officially announced that, beginning in 2026, the national driving theory test will feature updated questions focused on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This move is designed to improve public awareness and confidence in responding to cardiac arrest scenarios, aiming to boost survival rates across the UK.

While this change targets new drivers, it serves as a timely reminder for the automotive industry to review its own health and safety protocols. Garages are inherently high-risk environments involving heavy machinery, electrical systems, and stressful situations. Ensuring your team is prepared for a medical emergency is not just a moral imperative—it is a critical component of a robust health and safety management system.

Why This Matters for Garage Safety

Cardiac arrest can occur anywhere, and the time-critical nature of such events means that bystanders—often work colleagues—are the first line of defence. The inclusion of these questions in the theory test underscores a national drive toward 'CPR-literacy.' As garage owners, you are responsible for the welfare of your staff and customers. Relying solely on the emergency services is rarely enough; survival rates increase significantly when bystanders intervene before paramedics arrive.

Official Guidance and Workshop Preparedness

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. While the regulations do not mandate the provision of an AED, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) encourages businesses to assess the risks. In a workshop, where physical labour and stress are common, the presence of an AED is increasingly viewed as 'best practice.'

If you haven't reviewed your first aid provision recently, now is the time. Beyond ensuring your current first aid kits are fully stocked and compliant, consider the following:

• Staff Training: Are your staff trained to use an AED, or at least aware of how to perform basic CPR?
• Equipment Access: If you do have an AED, is it easily accessible and regularly maintained?
• Emergency Protocols: Does every member of your team know exactly what to do if a colleague or customer collapses?