My 2p worth. I believe it all stems from Europe - as part of the standardization of licenses. Other european countries, like France for example have multistage tests, and then their argument is why should a UK license equal a French license if they don't have to pass as many tests as we do? So the test is going towards the highest common factor to suit all other euro countries. I wouldn't be surprised if new license holders are obliged to undertake a basic first aid course, so that they can be able to assist if they are first upon the scene of an accident, as is compelled to do in France.
(Not that I am against motorists knowing basic first aid, although that is perhaps another complete debate on its own)
