Life in UK Test
Who has to sit the test, how to book it safely, what to bring on the day and how the result feeds into a settlement or citizenship application.
By the Ledger desk2 min read
Photo: Roger W Haworth ( talk · contribs ) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Life in the UK Test is a 45-minute, 24-question test that most adults must pass before applying for settlement or British citizenship. You need 75% to pass, and you can book it only through the official GOV.UK service.
Who needs the test and how it works
The Life in the UK Test is required as part of most applications for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) or British citizenship. You do not need to take it if you are under 18, are 65 or over, have already passed it (for example, for your settlement application), or have a long-term physical or mental condition, in which case you must provide an exemption form or a letter from a doctor.
The test lasts 45 minutes and includes 24 questions about British traditions and customs. The questions are based entirely on the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. To pass, you need to score 75% or more, which means getting at least 18 out of 24 questions right.
Booking the test and what to bring
You must book the Life in the UK Test at gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test, which is the only official government booking service for the test. You can only book online, and must do so at least three days in advance. You need an email address, a debit or credit card and an accepted form of ID, such as a valid passport or, if you have an eVisa, a share code from your UK Visas and Immigration account. The name on your booking must match your ID exactly. There are more than 30 test centres around the UK, and you choose one when you book.
On the day of the test, you need to bring the same original ID you used to book the test. Copies or screenshots of your ID are not accepted, and you cannot bring children or other family members into the centre. Your photo is taken on the day to confirm your identity. If you do not bring the correct original ID, or refuse to have your photo taken, you will not be allowed to take the test and will not get a refund. If you cannot attend, you get a refund only if you cancel at least three days before the test.
Preparing, passing and retaking
The questions cover British history, culture, laws and everyday life as set out in the handbook, and you are tested only on what is in it. The handbook is available as a book, an eBook and in audio formats, and an official practice app and e-learning subscription are sold through the official Life in the UK Test shop.
If you pass, you get a unique reference number. Keep it safe: you need it to complete your citizenship or settlement application, and the Home Office uses it to check that you have passed. If you fail, you can book the test again as many times as you need, paying each time.
Only book through the official GOV.UK service, and be wary of other websites that offer to book the test for you. Study the official handbook, book early enough to fit your application plans, and check the night before that you have the same original ID you booked with.
General information, checked against the sources below at the time of writing. Rules, rates and deadlines change, often each April; confirm with GOV.UK, the council or the organisation concerned before you rely on them. For advice on your own case, Citizens Advice is free.
