What questions are in the Life in the UK Test?
The real test has 24 questions and lasts 45 minutes. You need at least 75% to pass, which means 18 correct answers out of 24. See GOV.UK: what happens at the test for the current format and pass mark.
GOV.UK says you will only be tested on information from the official Guide for New Residents. Use the official preparation and booking guidance to find the handbook and official study products. Our examples use five practice categories. Six questions in each category is an editorial choice, not the subject mix you should expect in the real exam.
How to use these sample questions
Choose an answer before opening the explanation. If you get it wrong, note the subject you need to revise, not just the letter of the answer. Use the free study guide to revisit the topic, then try a timed practice test with a score. For the fee and booking process, read our guide to the Life in the UK Test.
History
Try examples from early Britain, Magna Carta, the Tudor period, individual rights, the campaign for women's votes and the Second World War.
1. What were the first people to live in Britain known as?
- AHunter-gatherers
- BFarmers and herders
- CMetalworkers
- DRoman settlers
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Hunter-gatherers
The first people to live in Britain were hunter-gatherers, in what we call the Stone Age.
2. What does 'Magna Carta' mean?
- AGreat Charter
- BRoyal Decree
- CKing's Law
- DNoble Agreement
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Great Charter
The Magna Carta means the Great Charter.
3. Why did Henry VIII establish the Church of England?
- AHe wanted to promote Protestant ideas from Europe
- BThe Pope refused to grant him a divorce from his first wife
- CHe wanted to appoint new bishops who supported the Reformation
- DParliament pressured him to break from Rome
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. The Pope refused to grant him a divorce from his first wife
To divorce his first wife, Henry needed the approval of the Pope. When the Pope refused, Henry established the Church of England.
4. What was the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679 designed to guarantee?
- AThat no one could be held prisoner unlawfully
- BThe right to free speech in Parliament
- CThe freedom to practise any religion
- DThe right to vote in elections
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. That no one could be held prisoner unlawfully
The Habeas Corpus Act became law in 1679... The Act guaranteed that no one could be held prisoner unlawfully. Every prisoner has a right to a court hearing.
5. In what year was the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) founded?
- A1889
- B1897
- C1903
- D1910
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. 1903
In 1903, Emmeline Pankhurst helped found the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). This was the first group whose members were called 'suffragettes'.
6. What type of warfare characterised the 'Battle of Britain' between Germany and Britain in the summer of 1940?
- AA naval engagement
- BAn aerial battle
- CA ground offensive in the trenches
- DA tank battle across open fields
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. An aerial battle
The Battle of Britain in 1940 was an aerial battle between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the German Luftwaffe. The RAF's victory prevented a German invasion of Britain.
Society and culture
These examples cover music, books, celebrations, remembrance, sport and money. Read beyond one subject when you revise.
7. 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 & 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.
8. Which novel was voted the country's best-loved novel in 2003?
- AHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- BPride and Prejudice
- COliver Twist by Charles Dickens
- DThe Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D. The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
In 2003, The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien was voted the country's best-loved novel.
9. What date is Christmas Day celebrated in the UK?
- A24 December
- B25 December
- C26 December
- D1 January
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. 25 December
Christmas Day is on 25 December and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a public holiday.
10. What do people wear on Remembrance Day to commemorate those who died fighting for the UK?
- AWhite roses
- BPoppies
- CDaffodils
- DThistles
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. Poppies
On Remembrance Day, people wear poppies (the red flower found on the battlefields of the First World War) to commemorate those who died fighting for the UK and its allies.
11. Which countries compete in the Six Nations rugby union championship?
- AEngland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy
- BEngland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Germany
- CEngland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Australia and New Zealand
- DEngland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, South Africa and France
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy
The most famous rugby union competition is the Six Nations Championship between England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy.
12. What is the symbol for the UK currency, the pound sterling?
- A$
- B€
- C¥
- D£
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D. £
The currency in the UK is the pound sterling, with the symbol £.
Government and the law
Practise democracy, the monarchy, elections, types of law and the two Houses of Parliament.
13. 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 & 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.
14. What type of government does the UK have?
- AAn absolute monarchy
- BA federal republic
- CA constitutional monarchy
- DA presidential democracy
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. A constitutional monarchy
The UK has a constitutional monarchy.
15. How often is a General Election held in the UK?
- AAt least every three years
- BAt least every four years
- CAt least every six years
- DAt least every five years
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D. At least every five years
A General Election is held at least every five years.
16. What are the two main categories that UK law can be divided into?
- ACriminal law and civil law
- BPublic law and private law
- CCommon law and statute law
- DConstitutional law and administrative law
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Criminal law and civil law
Laws in the UK can be divided into criminal law and civil law. Criminal law relates to crimes investigated by the police, while civil law is used to settle disputes between individuals or groups.
17. Who presides over debates in the House of Commons?
- AThe Leader of the Opposition
- BThe Prime Minister
- CThe Speaker
- DThe Lord Chancellor
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. The Speaker
The Speaker of the House of Commons presides over debates, maintains order, and ensures parliamentary rules are followed. The Speaker is politically neutral.
18. What are the two chambers that make up the UK Parliament?
- AThe House of Commons and the House of Lords
- BThe House of Commons and the House of Representatives
- CThe House of Lords and the House of Delegates
- DThe House of Representatives and the House of Delegates
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. The House of Commons and the House of Lords
The UK Parliament is made up of two chambers: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Together they scrutinise and pass legislation.
Geography
Check the countries of the UK, overseas territories, a river, a national symbol, the Channel and a Welsh city.
19. 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 & 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.
20. Which of the following is a British overseas territory?
- AThe Isle of Man
- BThe Channel Islands
- CThe Falkland Islands
- DNorthern Ireland
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. The Falkland Islands
There are several British overseas territories in other parts of the world, such as St Helena and the Falkland Islands. They are linked to the UK but are not a part of it.
21. What is the longest river in the United Kingdom?
- ARiver Thames
- BRiver Severn
- CRiver Trent
- DRiver Mersey
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. River Severn
The River Severn is the longest river in the United Kingdom at about 354 kilometres.
22. What is the national flower associated with Northern Ireland?
- AShamrock
- BRose
- CThistle
- DDaffodil
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Shamrock
The shamrock is the national flower associated with Northern Ireland.
23. What is the body of water between England and France called?
- AThe English Channel
- BThe Irish Sea
- CThe North Sea
- DThe Atlantic Ocean
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. The English Channel
The English Channel is the body of water that separates England from France.
24. In which country of the UK is the city of Swansea situated?
- AEngland
- BNorthern Ireland
- CScotland
- DWales
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D. Wales
Swansea is a city located in Wales. It is the second-largest city in Wales after Cardiff.
Values and responsibilities
Work through principles, the citizenship pledge, rights, responsibilities and ways to take part in your community.
25. 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 & 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.
26. According to the citizenship pledge, new citizens promise to give what to the United Kingdom?
- ATheir loyalty
- BTheir financial support
- CTheir military service
- DTheir property
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Their loyalty
The citizenship pledge begins: 'I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms.'
27. Which of the following is a responsibility expected of all UK residents?
- AVote in every election
- BAttend a place of worship
- CLearn to speak Welsh
- DRespect and obey the law
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D. Respect and obey the law
'respect and obey the law' is one of the responsibilities expected of those wishing to be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK.
28. Which freedom does the UK offer its residents?
- AFreedom from unfair discrimination
- BFreedom from all taxation
- CFreedom to ignore the law
- DFreedom from work obligations
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Freedom from unfair discrimination
In return for fulfilling responsibilities, the UK offers freedom from unfair discrimination, along with other freedoms and rights.
29. What should you do when you move into a new house or apartment?
- AIntroduce yourself to the people who live near you
- BRegister with the local council within 24 hours
- CWrite a letter to your local MP informing them of your arrival
- DPlace a notice in the local newspaper
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Introduce yourself to the people who live near you
When you move into a new house or apartment, introduce yourself to the people who live near you. Getting to know your neighbours can help you become part of the community and make friends.
30. What are some of the benefits of volunteering?
- AReceiving a regular salary and pension contributions
- BMeeting new people, practising English, and developing work skills that may help you find a job
- CGaining automatic British citizenship after two years of service
- DBeing exempt from paying council tax in your local area
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. Meeting new people, practising English, and developing work skills that may help you find a job
Volunteering can offer many benefits, such as meeting new people helping make your community a better place, practising your English, developing work skills that will help you find a job, and improving your curriculum vitae (CV). Many people volunteer simply because they want to help other people.
Are these the same questions as the real test?
No. These are our practice examples, not a copy of the official exam bank. Use them to check your understanding. Do not rely on seeing the same wording or the same answer order on test day.
Does a good sample score mean I am ready?
A short set cannot check everything you know. Work across the handbook, review unfamiliar subjects and practise with questions you have not just memorised. The practice-test collection gives you more sets to work through.
Sources and scope
The questions, answer choices and explanations come from our shared practice bank. The selection is balanced across our five categories for browsing, not weighted to predict the exam. Current test format and preparation guidance were checked against GOV.UK on 16 October 2026. We are an independent practice resource, not the Home Office or its booking provider.