Life in the UK Test preparation

Most adults applying for British citizenship or settlement in the UK need to pass the Life in the UK Test. GOV.UK explains that some people do not need to take it, for example if they are under 18, aged 65 or over, have passed it before, or meet the medical exemption requirements. Different immigration routes have different rules, so check your own route and the latest GOV.UK guidance before booking or applying.

You should book through the official GOV.UK booking service. GOV.UK currently states that the test costs £50 and must be booked online at least 3 days in advance. You can choose from over 30 UK test centres when booking. You will need an email address, a debit or credit card, and an accepted form of ID. The name used for your booking must match your ID exactly, so check the details carefully before confirming.

No. The test is computer-based, but it must be taken under supervision at an approved UK test centre. Book only through the official GOV.UK service, where you can choose from the available centres and appointments.

The test is 45 minutes long and has 24 questions. GOV.UK says the questions are based on the Life in the UK handbook, and you must score 75% or more to pass. This means you should study the official material properly rather than relying only on summaries. After passing, you receive a unique reference number that is used for your citizenship or settlement application.

If you have an eVisa, GOV.UK says to use an immigration-status share code when booking. If you cannot access an eVisa, accepted physical documents can include a valid passport or another document listed in the current guidance. A UK driving licence is not listed as standard accepted ID. Check the latest GOV.UK identification requirements before booking because temporary document rules can change.

If you booked with physical ID, bring the same original document used for the booking; copies and screenshots are not accepted. Your photograph is taken at the centre. If you bring the wrong ID or refuse the photograph, you cannot take the test and will not receive a refund.

No. Knowledge of life in the UK and knowledge of language are separate requirements. Depending on your immigration route, you may need to pass the Life in the UK Test and separately prove your English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic ability, unless an exemption applies.

Normally, no. GOV.UK says you do not need to take the test if you have passed it before, including where it was passed for settlement and is later needed for a citizenship application. Current guidance does not set an expiry date for a successful result.

No. Practice questions help you learn the content and become familiar with the style and timing, but they are not the live questions used in the real test. Questions are drawn from a larger bank, so memorising one practice set is not a reliable preparation strategy.

You can book another test as many times as needed, but each attempt requires a new booking and fee. Review the official guide and the topics you found difficult before choosing the next available appointment.

The test is based on the official Guide for New Residents and covers UK values and principles, history, modern society, government, law, traditions and civic responsibilities. Cover the complete guide rather than studying only highlighted facts or summaries.

There is no mandatory number of study hours. The time needed depends on your existing knowledge, language confidence and experience with multiple-choice tests. A steady plan works better than last-minute memorisation: read the official guide, practise by topic, review mistakes and complete timed 24-question mock tests.