Theory Test Changes in 2026: What's New

The main theory test changes in 2026 are new CPR and defibrillator (AED) questions for car and motorcycle candidates, and video questions in the motorcycle theory test from 29 October 2026, replacing the written case study. The pass marks, number of questions, time allowed and fees have not changed.

• 29 Oct 2026motorcycle video questions
• 2026CPR and AED questions
• 22 Oct 2025Highway Code update
• 43/50pass mark unchanged

Last checked against GOV.UK: 3 October 2026.

Timeline of recent changes

1. Motorcycle theory test video questions (from 29 October 2026)

Until now, the motorcycle theory test has included a case study: a short written story with 5 questions based on it. For tests taken on or after 29 October 2026, this is replaced by 3 questions based on a short video (GOV.UK: motorcycle theory test).

• The video shows a normal riding situation, such as riding through a town centre or on a country road.
• It's silent, and you can watch it as many times as you like during the test.
• You still get 50 questions in 57 minutes, and the pass mark is still 43.

The car theory test made the same switch from case study to video on 28 September 2020, so the format is well established. If your motorcycle test is booked before 29 October 2026, you'll still get the case study.

Practise for both formats on our motorcycle theory test hub and mock motorcycle theory test.

2. New CPR and defibrillator questions (2026)

On 13 August 2025, DVSA announced that driving theory tests will include enhanced first aid questions from 2026 (GOV.UK news). The question bank is being expanded to:

• include enhanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) content, such as hand placement and compression rates
• add questions about automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the first time

Key points from DVSA's announcement:

• Car and motorcycle candidates were told to start learning this material from autumn 2025. Other theory test types will follow later.
• The change involves no extra cost, test time or difficulty. It updates existing first aid content with current best practice.
• The aim is to improve cardiac arrest survival. DVSA quotes Resuscitation Council UK data showing more than 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests a year in the UK, with fewer than 1 in 10 people surviving.

These questions sit in the Incidents, accidents and emergencies topic. Practise it on our incidents, accidents and emergencies page. Resuscitation Council UK also has free guides on how to do CPR and use a defibrillator.

3. Highway Code update (22 October 2025)

The Highway Code was last updated on 22 October 2025. The change was to traffic signs for "buses and cycles only" and "trams only": these signs no longer need a plate with the word "only" underneath. Earlier in 2025 (10 April), rules 243 and 244 were updated to make clear that in Scotland drivers must not park where the kerb has been lowered, or partly or wholly on the pavement.

Because the theory test is based on The Highway Code, always revise from the latest version on GOV.UK. Test your sign knowledge on our road signs test and Highway Code test.

4. New rules for revision products (July 2025 and February 2026)

On 29 July 2025, DVSA published guidance on making and selling theory test revision products. It explains that anyone using DVSA's revision questions or hazard perception clips needs a DVSA copyright licence, and that using them without one is a criminal offence. On 23 February 2026, DVSA added a link to a form for reporting misuse of its logos and copyright.

What this means for learners: practice products may only use official DVSA questions under licence, and none may claim to be the "real" test questions. MockTheory writes its own original questions from The Highway Code and Know your traffic signs, which can be used freely under the Open Government Licence.

What hasn't changed

Source: GOV.UK: pass mark and result, GOV.UK: book your theory test.

Latest pass rate

DVSA's latest statistics, published on 3 September 2026, show a car theory test pass rate of 44.8% for 2025/26 and a provisional 44.0% for April to June 2026. See theory test pass rate.

How to prepare for the 2026 test

1. Revise from the current Highway Code on GOV.UK.
2. Practise the first aid and emergencies topic, including CPR and AEDs.
3. Take full mock theory tests with the 57-minute timer.
4. Practise hazard perception regularly.
5. Riders: get used to video questions if your test is on or after 29 October 2026.

MockTheory uses original practice questions based on The Highway Code. Not the real test questions. MockTheory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.