Theory Test Changes in 2026
The one confirmed 2026 theory-test content change is new CPR and defibrillator questions. New booking rules also arrived in spring 2026, but those apply to the practical car test, not the theory test. Here is everything new.
What Is New
CPR & defibrillator questions
New first-aid questions covering CPR procedure and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), added for the first time. Knowledge-only; no practical demonstration. The DVSA asked car and motorcycle candidates to start familiarising themselves with the CPR and AED material from autumn 2025, with the questions added to the multiple-choice bank from 2026. The fee, test time and pass marks are unchanged.
Practical-test booking cap (not theory)
From 31 March 2026, a car practical test booking can only be changed twice before you have to cancel and rebook. DVSA guidance is explicit that this does not apply to theory tests: theory bookings are unaffected.
Practical self-booking rule (not theory)
From 12 May 2026, only the learner can book, change or cancel their car practical test; instructors and third-party services cannot. From 9 June 2026, a test can only move to one of the 3 nearest centres. Theory test booking is unchanged.
What Has NOT Changed
If you are revising for the test in 2026, the structure is the same as last year. Only the content mix and booking rules have shifted.
Fee
Still £23 for car and motorcycle, £60 total for LGV/PCV.
Pass marks
43/50 multiple choice and 44/75 hazard perception, both required in one sitting.
Number of questions
50 multiple-choice questions, 14 hazard clips with 15 hazards.
Test duration
Around 75 minutes total including the optional 3-minute break.
Certificate validity
2 years from the pass date, no extensions.
Wait between attempts
3 working days minimum.
Proposed: Mandatory Wait Between Theory and Practical
The Department for Transport opened a consultation in 2026 on whether to require a 3-6 month gap between passing the theory test and sitting the practical. The aim is to reduce the proportion of learners who rush the practical, fail, and book again. No decision yet; this is not law.
If implemented it would not affect existing certificates, only theory passes from the implementation date forward.
FAQ
FAQ 1Did the theory test fee increase in 2026?
No. The car and motorcycle fee remains £23, where it has sat since October 2015 when the DVSA cut it from £25 after a contract re-tender. LGV/PCV is still £60 across the three parts.
FAQ 2Are the new CPR questions hard?
No. They cover basic CPR procedure (chest compressions, calling 999) and what an AED is for. Two or three questions on a 50-question paper.
FAQ 3When do the new CPR questions start appearing?
The DVSA asked car and motorcycle candidates to start familiarising themselves with the CPR and AED material from autumn 2025, and the new questions are added to the question bank from 2026. The DVSA does not publish its live question bank, so whether you are served one depends on which questions come up.
FAQ 4Do I have to take the new test if I booked earlier?
The new CPR and AED questions are added from 2026, and because the DVSA does not publish its question bank there is no fixed cut-over date to plan around. The spring 2026 booking-rule changes apply to the car practical test, not to theory bookings.
FAQ 5Where can I see the latest DVSA announcements?
GOV.UK publishes Driving Test News updates and DVSA blog posts. Sign up to the email alerts on gov.uk/email-signup if you want every update.