CPR and Defibrillator Practice Questions for the 2026 Theory Test (With Answers)

From 2026 the driving theory test includes refreshed first aid questions covering CPR and, for the first time, automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Reading the news about the change is one thing. Being ready to pick the right answer under exam pressure is another. This guide turns the new content into practice questions with worked answers, so you can revise it properly instead of just skimming a headline.

What the new first aid questions cover

The multiple-choice part of the theory test draws 50 questions from a bank of more than 700, and first aid has always sat inside that bank. For 2026 the DVSA has updated this section to reflect current CPR technique and to add questions about public access defibrillators. The test does not get longer, harder, or more expensive. You simply need to know today's best practice rather than older advice. The questions tend to be scenario based, so it pays to read each one slowly and picture what you would actually do at the roadside.

Practice question 1: chest compression depth

An adult casualty is not breathing, so you begin CPR to keep blood moving. What is the correct depth to press down on their chest? The options are: 1 to 2 centimetres, 5 to 6 centimetres, 10 to 15 centimetres, or 15 to 20 centimetres. The correct answer is 5 to 6 centimetres. You press hard and fast in the centre of the chest. Too shallow and you will not move enough blood; the figure the test rewards is the one recommended by current resuscitation guidance.

Practice question 2: who can use a defibrillator

Who can use a public access defibrillator (AED)? The options are: paramedics only, first aiders only, doctors only, or everyone. The correct answer is everyone. A public access AED is built for any bystander to use. Once you switch it on, it talks you through each step out loud, and it will only deliver a shock if the casualty actually needs one. That means you cannot do harm by trying, which is exactly the reassurance this question is checking you understand.

Practice question 3: recognising a cardiac arrest

How do you know someone has gone into cardiac arrest? Look for three signs together: they appear not to be breathing, they are not moving, and they do not respond when you touch them or speak to them. A scenario question may describe a collapsed pedestrian or a driver slumped at the wheel and ask what you should do first. The answer is to call 999 on speakerphone straight away and start CPR. If anyone is with you, send them to find an AED while you keep going.

Practice question 4: compression rate and keeping going

How fast should chest compressions be? Aim for a rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute, and keep going until emergency services take over or an AED is ready to use. A common exam trap is an option that tells you to stop and check repeatedly; the better answer keeps compressions as continuous as possible. If a question offers both a slow rate and the 100 to 120 range, the faster, steady rate is the one to choose.

How to revise this topic without overthinking it

You do not need to become a first aid trainer to pass these questions. Focus on the handful of facts the test actually checks: the 5 to 6 centimetre depth, the 100 to 120 rate, the fact that anyone can use an AED, and the order of calling 999 then starting CPR. Read each scenario to the end before choosing, because the wrong options are usually almost right but miss one step. Practising the questions in the same multiple-choice format you will see on the day makes the wording feel familiar and stops you second-guessing yourself.

Put it into practice before test day

The new first aid questions are some of the easiest marks on the paper once you have drilled them a few times, because the answers rarely change. If you want to rehearse these alongside hundreds of other up to date theory questions in realistic mock tests, you can practise the full 2026 question bank with Theory Test Passed and walk into your test knowing this section is already in the bag.