Topic
Incidents, accidents and emergencies
Last reviewed against gov.uk on
Incidents, accidents and emergencies covers what to do when something goes wrong — at the scene of a collision, during a breakdown, in a tunnel fire, or when first aid is needed. Updated from 2026 to include questions on CPR and using a public-access defibrillator (AED).
What’s tested
- At a scene: stop, secure the area, summon help, check for injuries
- First aid priorities — airway, breathing, severe bleeding
- CPR basics: compression rate (100–120 / min), depth (5–6 cm), 30 : 2
- AED use: power on, follow the voice prompts, only shock when advised
- Tunnel fires and breakdowns — when to stay with the vehicle and when to leave
Key Highway Code rules
Practise real DVSA revision questions
Work through 20 real DVSA car revision questions, each with the correct answer and a full explanation — then get the full bank for every topic in the app, free to get started.
Common mistakes
- Moving an unconscious casualty when there is no immediate danger
- Removing a motorcyclist’s helmet (only if airway cannot be opened otherwise)
- Setting up a hazard warning triangle on a motorway (not permitted)
- Switching off a vehicle fire by lifting the bonnet (oxygen fuels the fire)
Keep going
All 14 topics
- Alertness Staying focused: mirrors, observation, scanning the road, avoiding fatigue and distraction.
- Attitude Considerate driving: patience, following distance, behaviour at crossings and roundabouts.
- Safety and your vehicle Roadworthiness: brakes, tyres, lights, fluids, warning lights and securing the car.
- Safety margins Stopping distances, weather, road surface, and the space you need to react safely.
- Hazard awareness Anticipating risk: spotting clues, planning ahead, reading other road users’ behaviour.
- Vulnerable road users Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders, children, older and disabled people.
- Other types of vehicle Sharing the road with lorries, buses, motorcycles, trams and emergency vehicles.
- Vehicle handling Driving in rain, fog, snow, dark and strong wind — how conditions change the car.
- Motorway rules Joining, lane discipline, speed, breakdowns and smart-motorway running lanes.
- Rules of the road Speed limits, junctions, roundabouts, parking, level crossings and one-way streets.
- Road and traffic signs The visual language of UK roads — shape, colour and meaning of every sign and signal.
- Documents Licence, insurance, MOT, V5C log book and SORN — the paperwork to be legally on the road.
- Vehicle loading Carrying passengers, luggage, roof loads and towing — and how each changes the car.