Upcoming Changes to the DVSA Theory Test for New Drivers
As of November 19, 2025, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has not announced any major structural changes to the car theory test for 2025 itself. The test remains a two-part exam: 50 multiple-choice questions (45 minutes, needing 43 correct to pass) followed by a hazard perception test (14 video clips, needing 44/75 to pass). However, there are important updates on the horizon for 2026, focusing on life-saving first aid skills. I'll break it down below, including debunking some recent misinformation.
Quick Debunk: No Changes in September 2025
You've likely seen headlines claiming the theory test is being "completely overhauled" in September 2025. This is misleading and incorrect. The DVSA has explicitly stated there are no such plans for 2025, and these stories often confuse the test with unrelated practical test trials or exaggerate minor question bank refreshes. Stick to official GOV.UK sources to avoid the hype.
The Key Change: New CPR and Defibrillator Questions from Early 2026
The big update is a targeted expansion of the question bank to include enhanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) content and automated external defibrillator (AED) awareness. This applies first to car and motorcycle theory tests, with other categories (e.g., bus, lorry) following later. It's not a full redesign—just new questions integrated into the existing format to promote bystander intervention in emergencies.
Why this change? In the UK, over 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen each year, but survival rates are low (fewer than 1 in 10). Starting CPR and using an AED within 3–5 minutes can boost survival odds to 70%, as every minute without action drops chances by up to 10%. Drivers are often first responders (e.g., in road crashes or laybys), so this equips new drivers to act confidently. It's a collaboration between DVSA, Resuscitation Council UK, and Save a Life campaigns, aligning with government goals to cut preventable deaths and ease NHS strain.
Implementation Details These additions build on existing first aid questions (e.g., basic bleeding control) without altering the test's core structure. Here's a breakdown:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| When it starts | Early 2026 (exact date TBC; expect Q1 rollout for car/motorcycle tests). |
| What’s new | - CPR questions: Cover hands-only techniques, like correct hand placement (centre of chest), compression depth (5–6 cm), and rate (100–120 per minute). - AED questions: How to use public-access defibrillators (e.g., turn on, follow voice prompts, apply pads)—no medical training needed; anyone can use them. |
| Test impact | - No extra time (still 45 mins for multiple-choice). - No cost increase (£23 fee unchanged). - No difficulty hike—questions are straightforward, multiple-choice. - Pass mark stays 86% (43/50). |
| Preparation | - Updated official DVSA apps, books, and online materials available now (free via GOV.UK). - Free CPR/AED resources from Resuscitation Council UK (e.g., videos, quizzes). - Hazard perception unaffected. |
| Who it affects | All new car/motorcycle learners taking the test from 2026 onward. Theory pass still valid for 2 years toward practical. |
Other Minor 2025 Tweaks (Not Test Content)
While the theory test questions aren't changing much, the DVSA is making service improvements in 2025 based on their business plan:
- Faster booking/digital enhancements: Incremental updates to the online booking system for shorter waits (target: under 7 weeks by end-2025).
- Accessibility boosts: More audio/voiceover options for neurodiverse learners. No new topics like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) are confirmed for the UK theory test in 2025—some international rumors (e.g., EU/Swiss changes) have been misreported as UK-specific.
If you're prepping now, focus on the Highway Code and official practice tests— the 2026 additions are a welcome safety net, not a hurdle. For the latest, check GOV.UK directly. Got a specific part of the test you're worried about?
