The Life in the UK test at a glance
- Questions
- 24 multiple choice
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Pass mark
- 18 correct (75%)
- Study book
- Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents
- Where
- Approved test centres across the UK
Rules and fees can change. Always check GOV.UK: Life in the UK test before you book.
Who needs to take it?
Most people aged 18 to 64 applying for settlement or British citizenship. People under 18 or aged 65 and over usually don't need to take it.
How it works, step by step
- 1
Study the official handbook
Every question comes from the handbook, so learn its chapters on values, history, society and government.
- 2
Book online at least 3 days ahead
Book on GOV.UK. You need an email address, a debit or credit card and the ID you'll bring on the day.
- 3
Sit the test
You answer 24 questions on a computer. You get your result before you leave the centre.
- 4
Use your unique reference number
If you pass, you get a unique reference number to use in your settlement or citizenship application.
🎒 On the day
- ✓Bring the same ID you used to book
- ✓Arrive early: you can't sit the test if you're late
- ✓Phones and bags are stored away during the test
💡 Tips to pass
- ✓Dates and numbers come up often: learn key years, monarchs and battles
- ✓Take timed mock tests until you score 20+ every time
- ✓Review every wrong answer and the handbook section it came from
Your 14-day study plan
A simple plan for the Life in the UK test. Print it and tick off each day.
- 1The values and principles of the UK
- Study The values and principles of the UK
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 2The values and principles of the UK
- Study The values and principles of the UK
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 3The values and principles of the UK
- Study The values and principles of the UK
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 4What is the UK?
- Study What is the UK?
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 5What is the UK?
- Study What is the UK?
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 6What is the UK?
- Study What is the UK?
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 7A long and illustrious history
- Study A long and illustrious history
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 8A long and illustrious history
- Study A long and illustrious history
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 9A long and illustrious history
- Study A long and illustrious history
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 10Review
- Take the readiness check
- Re-study your two weakest topics
- Redo the questions you got wrong
- 11Review
- Take the readiness check
- Re-study your two weakest topics
- Redo the questions you got wrong
- 12Mock test
- Take a full timed mock test
- Review every wrong answer
- Study the topics you missed
- 13Mock test
- Take a full timed mock test
- Review every wrong answer
- Study the topics you missed
- 14Final mock test
- Take a full timed mock test
- Review every wrong answer
- Pass with room to spare? You're ready to book
Test yourself for free
No download, no sign-up. See how close you are to passing.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You have to wait at least 7 days, and you pay the fee again each time you book.
