The test at a glance
The Life in the UK Test has 24 multiple-choice questions. You need 75% (at least 18 of 24) to pass. The test lasts 45 minutes, costs 50 pounds, and is based on the official handbook "Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents".
- 24 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes
- 75% pass mark (at least 18 of 24 correct)
- Costs 50 pounds, booked online via GOV.UK
- Taken at a registered test centre (over 30 in the UK)
- Based on the official "Life in the United Kingdom" handbook (3rd edition)
- Required for settlement (ILR) and British citizenship
Who has to take the Life in the UK Test?
You take the Life in the UK Test if you are applying to stay in the UK permanently or to become British. It is a requirement for both settlement, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR, and for British citizenship through naturalisation. You normally pass it once, and the same result counts for both stages.
You do not have to take the test if you fall into one of these groups:
- Under 18 when you apply.
- Aged 65 or over.
- A long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from taking it. You will usually need supporting evidence, so check GOV.UK for what is accepted.
If none of these apply, you will need to book and pass the test before your settlement or citizenship application can go ahead. If you are unsure, the official Home Office guidance on the Life in the UK Test sets out who needs to take it.
The format and pass mark
The test is taken on a computer at a registered test centre. The structure is fixed:
- 24 multiple-choice questions, drawn from a larger bank.
- 45 minutes to answer them.
- A pass mark of 75%, meaning at least 18 of the 24 questions correct.
Every question carries equal weight and there is no compulsory sub-section: your overall score is the only thing that decides a pass or a fail. Get 18 or more right and you pass; 17 or fewer and you do not. There is no separate topic you have to clear on its own.
Every question is based on the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), published by the Home Office. Nothing outside that book is tested, which is why focused study works so well. You can read the same content in our free study guide.
Practise the real test format free
Take a free 24-question practice test with instant results and an explanation for every answer, in the same format as the real thing.
Take a free practice testHow booking the test works
Unlike some official appointments, you arrange the Life in the UK Test yourself. You book it online and choose when and where you sit it. The steps are simple:
- Create an account and book on GOV.UK. You start on the official book a test page, which takes you to the booking service to set up your account.
- Choose a registered test centre. There are over 30 across the UK, so most people have one within reach.
- Pick a date and time. You must book at least 3 days in advance.
- Pay the 50 pound fee by card to confirm your booking.
On the day, bring accepted photo ID whose name exactly matches your booking. If the names do not match you can be turned away and lose your fee. Our guide to booking the Life in the UK Test walks through the whole process, and the full fee breakdown is in our cost guide.
The five topics in the handbook
The handbook, and therefore the test, covers five broad topics. Our questions are grouped the same way, so you can practise one area at a time.
1. History
From the Stone Age and the Romans through to modern times: key events, monarchs, wars and the figures who shaped Britain. It is the largest topic, so it rewards steady reading.
2. Society
Everyday British life and culture: sport, music, festivals, the media, places of interest and how people take part in their communities.
3. Government and the law
How the UK is governed and how the legal system works: Parliament, the monarchy, elections, the courts, and your rights and responsibilities. Many people find this the densest topic, so it is worth extra study time.
4. Geography
The countries, cities, landmarks and physical features of the UK, including its capital cities and national symbols.
5. Values
The fundamental principles and shared values of British life, such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Practise any topic on our free practice tests.
How hard is the Life in the UK Test?
There is a lot of folklore online about how hard the test is. The honest answer: it is very manageable if you prepare, and genuinely tricky if you do not.
Because every question comes from a single handbook, there is nothing to catch you out from beyond that material. The challenge is the amount of detail, particularly the dates and names in the history topic, rather than any trick questions. People who read the handbook and work through plenty of practice questions usually pass comfortably.
The cost of not preparing is real. If you fall short of 18 out of 24, you have to re-book and pay another 50 pounds, then wait for a new appointment. Treat every sitting as the real thing. For more on the fee and re-sit costs, see our Life in the UK Test cost guide.
Sample questions, one from each topic
These five are real practice questions, one from each topic, taken from our free question bank of 696 questions. Try to answer before you open the explanation.
History
What were the first people to live in Britain known as?
- AHunter-gatherers
- BFarmers and herders
- CMetalworkers
- DRoman settlers
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Hunter-gatherers
The first people to live in Britain were hunter-gatherers, in what we call the Stone Age.
Society
What is the Proms?
- AAn eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music
- BA week-long folk music festival in Scotland
- CAn annual pop music competition broadcast on ITV
- DA monthly jazz concert series at the Barbican Centre
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. An eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music
The Proms is an eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music that takes place in various venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Government and the law
What is democracy defined as in the context of British government?
- AA system of government where the whole adult population gets a say
- BA system where only landowners can participate in government decisions
- CA system where the monarch makes all decisions on behalf of the people
- DA system where only elected officials can propose new laws
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. A system of government where the whole adult population gets a say
Democracy is a system of government where the whole adult population gets a say, either by direct voting or by choosing representatives.
Geography
Which countries make up the United Kingdom?
- AEngland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- BEngland, Scotland, Wales and Ireland
- CEngland, Scotland and Wales
- DEngland, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The rest of Ireland is an independent country and is not part of the UK.
Values
Which of the following is NOT one of the fundamental principles of British life?
- ADemocracy
- BThe rule of law
- CEconomic prosperity
- DIndividual liberty
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Economic prosperity
The fundamental principles of British life listed are: Democracy, The rule of law, Individual liberty, Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and Participation in community life. Economic prosperity is not listed as a fundamental principle.
Want more? Work through our Life in the UK Test questions and answers grouped by topic, or take them as interactive free practice tests.
A simple prep plan
You do not need months. For most people who already have everyday English, a week or two of focused study is enough. Here is a simple structure.
- Read the handbook topic by topic. Start with the free study guide, taking the lighter topics before you tackle history and government.
- Practise as you go. After each topic, take a short practice test so you find your weak spots early.
- Build up to full mock exams. In the last few days, sit timed 24-question mocks until you are clearing 18 out of 24 comfortably.
- Review your mistakes. Re-read the handbook sections behind any question you get wrong, then try it again.
Study the official handbook free
Read the handbook content online, in English or 12 other languages, then test yourself topic by topic. No sign-up required.
Open the free study guideWhat happens after you pass
Passing is a milestone, not the finish line, but it is one you only need to reach once. Your test pass does not expire. The same result is accepted for both settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and, later, British citizenship (naturalisation), so you do not sit it again between the two stages.
The test is not the only requirement. You will also normally need to meet the English language requirement, which is separate: most applicants must show English at CEFR level B1 in speaking and listening, and the Life in the UK Test does not cover that on its own. You will also need to meet the residence and good character requirements.
To see how the test fits into the bigger picture, read our guides to British citizenship requirements and how to apply for British citizenship. For typical timescales, see our guide to British citizenship processing times.
Life in the UK Test FAQs
How many questions are on the Life in the UK Test, and what is the pass mark?
The test has 24 multiple-choice questions and you have 45 minutes. You need to score at least 75%, which means getting at least 18 of the 24 questions right. Every question is worth the same and there is no separate section you have to pass: your total score is the only thing that decides the result.
How much does the Life in the UK Test cost?
The test fee is 50 pounds, which you pay yourself when you book online through GOV.UK. If you do not pass, you can re-book, but each re-sit costs another 50 pounds, so it is worth preparing properly the first time.
How do I book the Life in the UK Test?
You book it yourself online through GOV.UK. You create an account, choose a registered test centre and a time, and pay the 50 pound fee by card. You must book at least 3 days in advance, and there are over 30 test centres across the UK.
Who has to take the Life in the UK Test?
Most people applying for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) or British citizenship (naturalisation) need to pass it. You are exempt if you are under 18, aged 65 or over, or you have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from taking it. Check GOV.UK to confirm whether an exemption applies to you.
How hard is the Life in the UK Test?
It is very manageable with preparation. Every question is based on one official handbook, so nothing outside that material can catch you out. People who read the handbook and practise with mock tests tend to do well; people who do not prepare are the ones who struggle and have to pay 50 pounds to re-sit.
Does passing the test meet the English language requirement?
No. The English language requirement is separate. For settlement and citizenship you usually need to show English at CEFR level B1 in speaking and listening, and the Life in the UK Test does not satisfy that requirement on its own. You meet the two requirements in different ways.
Does a Life in the UK Test pass expire?
No. Once you pass, the result does not expire and you do not have to take it again. The same pass is accepted for both settlement (ILR) and, later, British citizenship (naturalisation), so most people sit the test once and reuse the result.