Guide
About the Life in the UK Test
A plain-English guide to the Life in the UK Test: what it is, who has to take it, how to book, what to expect at the test centre, and how to prepare. This site is not affiliated with the Home Office — always confirm the details on GOV.UK before you book.
About the test
What is the Life in the UK Test?
The Life in the UK Test is a computer-based, multiple-choice test of 24 questions. It checks your knowledge of British history, values, traditions and everyday life, and is a requirement for most citizenship and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) applications.
Who has to take the test?
Most people aged 18 to 64 applying for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) or British citizenship must pass it.
You only need to pass once. If you already passed the test for your settlement (ILR) application, you do not have to sit it again when you apply for citizenship.
Who is exempt from the test?
You do not need to take the test if you are under 18 or 65 or over.
You may also be exempt if a long-term physical or mental condition means you are unable to take it. You will need to provide supporting evidence for this.
What is the pass mark?
You must score 75% or more to pass — that is 18 or more of the 24 questions answered correctly.
Booking the test
How do I book the test?
Book online through the official GOV.UK service, at least 3 days in advance. The system shows you the nearest test centres based on your address.
There is no difference in difficulty between centres, so choosing the closest one is usually best.
How much does it cost?
The test fee is £50, paid when you book on GOV.UK. That is the full cost.
If you are being asked to pay more than £50, you are probably on a third-party reseller rather than the official service. Book directly on GOV.UK to pay only the £50 fee.
What documents do I need to book and bring?
You prove your identity when you book, and you must bring the same identification to the test centre — if it does not match, you may not be allowed to sit the test.
If you have an eVisa, sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and book using a share code. Otherwise you can use a valid passport; a valid national ID card from an EU country, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway; a valid travel document with a photo; or a biometric residence permit or card (these are being phased out, so your test must be before the card expires or 31 December 2026, whichever is first).
Make sure the name and details on your booking exactly match your identity document.
Special circumstances when booking
If you need special arrangements — for example, because of a disability or a health condition — call 0800 015 4245 before you book so the centre can put the right support in place.
Common mistakes when booking
Small booking errors can stop you sitting the test, often with no refund. The most common ones — the wrong place of birth, first and last names entered the wrong way round, and using the wrong number from your passport — are covered in the Common issues section below.
Preparing for the test
What do I need to know?
Everything you are tested on comes from the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). Every question in the official test is based on this book.
How can I prepare?
Read and study the handbook first, then practise with mock tests. The tests on this site are free, need no sign-up, and match the real test in shape and difficulty, with an explanation for every answer.
Working through all 45 mock tests covers the whole handbook and builds confidence. Many people feel ready after the first 10, but doing them all leaves nothing to chance.
How difficult is the official test?
The official test draws 24 questions at random from a large bank, so no two tests are quite the same. Our tests cover the essential facts across the whole handbook, so you are prepared whatever comes up.
What is the difference between the handbooks?
The test has been based on the 3rd edition of the handbook since 2013, so every handbook and study guide published from 2013 onwards contains the same material. You do not need to buy a paper copy.
How do we pick the questions?
We select questions carefully from the study material, all based on the 3rd edition handbook and valid for tests taken from 2013 onwards. We aim to include only the most relevant questions so your preparation pays off.
Will these questions appear in my official test?
The official test is a random selection from the Home Office's own bank, so we cannot promise an exact match. Our questions are designed to be very close to the real ones, and some may well come up. Either way, you will be well prepared.
Tips for the test
Take your time and read each question carefully — you have 45 minutes for 24 questions, just under 2 minutes each.
Watch the question type. Some questions have more than one correct answer; when they do, select as many options as the question asks for.
At the test centre
How long will I spend at the centre?
Allow around two hours in total. Arrive about 15 minutes early, identity checks take roughly 15 minutes, and the test itself is 45 minutes.
The result is usually ready in under 5 minutes, and you can leave once you have your pass or fail certificate.
Identity checks
Every approved centre runs the same identity check. You show the identification you used to book, and staff confirm it matches your appearance.
Can I bring visitors or guests?
Not every centre allows guests, so check before you go. You will be able to bring guests to the British citizenship ceremony later.
What happens if I pass?
You receive a pass certificate. It has no expiry date and can be used for all your future applications, so keep it safe.
What happens if I fail?
You must wait at least 7 days before booking again. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each one costs £50, so it is worth studying the handbook and completing practice tests to pass first time.
Can I get extra support?
If you need additional support, contact your test centre or call 0800 015 4245.
Common issues
Wrong place of birth
Make sure you enter the correct place of birth. Some candidates have been turned away for giving a city instead of a country, so check what your identity document says and match it.
First and last name the wrong way round
The booking form asks for your last name first and then your first name. If you swap them, you may not be allowed to sit the test and may not get your money back — so double-check which field is which.
Identity number or passport number?
If your passport shows both an identity number and a passport number, enter the passport number when you book.
I lost my pass certificate
Contact the Home Office on 0300 123 2253 about a lost pass certificate.
How do I make a complaint?
The test is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the Home Office. To make a complaint, email complaints@lituk.psionline.com or call 0800 015 4245 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm). Calls may be charged.
Complaints must be made within 3 months of the test date, and you should get a response within 10 working days.
Using this site
How should I use this site to get ready?
Because the test is based on the 3rd edition handbook, read and understand the material first, then work through our mock tests. They mirror the real test and explain the correct answer to every question.
Completing all 45 mock tests covers the whole handbook and familiarises you with the kinds of questions that come up. Most people feel comfortable after 10, but finishing them all is the surest preparation.
When do I know I'm ready?
You are ready when you can pass the mock tests comfortably. If you are passing ours, you should find the official test easy. Use the Mistakes page to retry anything you got wrong until it sticks.
Details such as fees and accepted ID can change. Always check GOV.UK before you book. This site is not affiliated with the Home Office.