Accidents and first aid in the theory test: what to do at the scene

If you are involved in a collision or stop to help, stop in a place of relative safety, switch on your hazard warning lights and call 999 with the location and details of any casualties. Do not move injured people unless they are in immediate danger. That is Highway Code rule 283.

At the scene: rule 283

Rule 283 sets out what to do (Highway Code: breakdowns and incidents):

1. Stop in a place of relative safety.
2. Use your hazard warning lights to warn other traffic.
3. Put on high-visibility clothing if you have it.
4. Ask drivers to switch off their engines and ask drivers and passengers to stop smoking.
5. Contact the emergency services on 999 and give full details of the location and any casualties. Use an emergency telephone, a mobile phone, or the SOS button if your vehicle has one.
6. Move uninjured people away from the vehicles to a place of relative safety.
7. Do not move injured people from their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger.
8. Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential and you are trained to do so.
9. Be prepared to give first aid.
10. Stay at the scene until the emergency services arrive, and be prepared to exchange details.

Dangerous goods (rules 284 and 285)

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods in packages are marked with plain orange reflective plates. Road tankers have hazard warning plates. If an incident involves such a vehicle, follow rule 283 and switch off engines, do not smoke, keep well away, and do not try to rescue casualties as you could become one. Give the emergency services as much information as possible about the labels and markings. Do not use a mobile phone close to a vehicle carrying flammable loads.

First aid: Annex 7

Annex 7 was compiled with the help of St John Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation and the British Red Cross. It is a general guide for people without training, not a substitute for it (Highway Code: Annex 7, first aid on the road). Its four steps:

• Deal with danger. Approach carefully, watching for spilt oil or broken glass. Switch off all engines and warn other traffic if possible.
• Get help. Ask bystanders to call 999 or 112. They need the exact location, including the direction of traffic, and the number of vehicles involved.
• Help those involved. Do not move casualties unless there is further danger. Keep them warm, dry and comfortable. Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
• Provide emergency care. Annex 7 uses DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.

For breathing, if there are no signs of breathing, start CPR. Annex 7 says to press down hard and fast, around 5 to 6 centimetres and about twice a second, and not to stop until the casualty starts breathing or a medical professional takes over. For burns, cool the burn for at least 20 minutes with plenty of clean, cool water and cover it with cling film if available.

Warning triangles

On an ordinary road, if your vehicle has broken down, the Highway Code says to put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your vehicle on the same side, or use other permitted warning devices. Take great care when placing them, and never use them on motorways. The rules for motorways differ: do not place a warning triangle on the carriageway. See our motorway guide.

Reporting an accident

Rule 286 says if a collision causes damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property, you must stop. You must give your name and address, the vehicle owner's details and the registration number to anyone with reasonable grounds for requiring them. If you do not, report it to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within 24 hours.

Rule 287 adds that if another person is injured and you do not produce your insurance certificate at the time, you must report it to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours, and produce your certificate within seven days. Gov.uk's insurance page says you must also report the accident to your insurance company, even if you do not plan to claim (gov.uk: vehicle insurance).

How the theory test asks about it

Expect "what should you do first" questions, helmet and casualty-moving questions, and 24-hour reporting questions. Match the answer to the rule wording. For related topics, see level crossings and vulnerable road users.

Practise

Read rule 283 on our Highway Code rule page, then try a practice test. The free theorytest.ai diagnostic shows your weakest topics. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA. Annex 7 is general guidance, not a first aid course.

Frequently asked questions

What should you do first at the scene of an accident?

Stop in a place of relative safety and use your hazard warning lights, per rule 283.

Should you move an injured person?

Not unless they are in immediate danger (rule 283 and Annex 7).

Should you remove a motorcyclist's helmet?

Not unless it is essential and you are trained to do so.

When must you report an accident to the police?

If you did not give your details at the time, report it within 24 hours (rule 286).

How far behind a broken-down vehicle do you place a warning triangle?

At least 45 metres on the same side of the road, but never on a motorway.