SettleReady › Life in the UK Test
Life in the UK Test: frequently asked questions
Who needs to take the Life in the UK test?
If you are aged 18 to 64, you need to pass it to apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) or British citizenship, unless you are exempt. You only need to pass it once: the same pass counts for both applications.
What is the pass mark for the Life in the UK test?
You need to answer at least 18 of the 24 questions correctly (75%). You have 45 minutes to complete the test.
How much does the Life in the UK test cost?
The test costs £50, paid when you book online on GOV.UK. If you fail, you pay £50 again for each new attempt. To get your money back after booking, you must cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test.
How do I book the Life in the UK test?
You book online on GOV.UK at least 3 days before the test. It costs £50 and you choose a test centre. Bring the same ID you used to book. If you fail, you can book again: there is no limit, but you pay each time.
Where should I book the Life in the UK test?
Only book through GOV.UK. The test costs £50; other websites may charge more for the same test.
What do I need to bring to the test?
Bring the same ID you used to book (the original, not a copy). Your photo is taken at the centre. If you don't bring the right ID or refuse the photo, you can't take the test and won't get a refund.
I have an eVisa. What ID do I use for the test?
Book with a share code from your UKVI account (choose the option to prove your immigration status for something else). If your identity can be checked using your eVisa, you don't need to bring a physical document. If you can't get into your eVisa, GOV.UK accepts some alternatives for now, such as an expired BRP or BRC in some cases. The name must match your booking exactly. Check GOV.UK's ID rules before you book.
What happens at the test centre?
You take the test on a computer at the centre: 24 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes. You get your result on the day, usually by email within minutes.
What topics are in the Life in the UK test?
Questions come from the five chapters of the official handbook: the values and principles of the UK; what the UK is; its long history; modern society, including sport, the arts and religion; and the government, the law and your role. History has the most dates and names to learn.
Which book is the test based on?
The test is based on "Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents", 3rd edition. Every question in this app links to the handbook section it comes from.
Is there an official Life in the UK practice test?
The Home Office's publisher, TSO, sells official practice questions as a book, an app and an online course. GOV.UK does not publish free sample questions, and the real test questions are not published.
Are the real Life in the UK test questions published?
No. The questions used in the real test are not published. The Home Office's publisher, TSO, sells official practice questions, but these are not the real test either. Anyone selling "the real questions" is not being honest. Learn the handbook and practise with questions based on it.
Which Life in the UK test questions do people find hardest?
Most people lose marks on dates, numbers and names, especially in the history chapter. Practise those in short sessions every day rather than reading the handbook again from start to finish.
How long should I study for the Life in the UK test?
Many people study for 2–4 weeks. A good sign you are ready is passing two timed mock tests in a row with at least 20 out of 24.
What happens when I pass?
You get your result on the day by email, with a unique reference number. There is no certificate. You give the reference number in your settlement or citizenship application, and the Home Office uses it to check your pass.
I lost my Life in the UK test reference number. What do I do?
Sign in to your Life in the UK test booking account: the reference number is shown with your result. If you took the test before 17 December 2019 and lost your pass letter, explain this in a letter with your application.
What happens if I fail the Life in the UK test?
You can book the test again. There is no limit on how many times you can take it, but you pay £50 each time and must book at least 3 days ahead. Use the time to practise the chapters where you lost marks.
Does a Life in the UK test pass expire?
GOV.UK does not set an expiry date for a Life in the UK test pass. The two-year limit in the citizenship guidance is for English language test results, not this test. If you passed it for settlement, you don't need to take it again for citizenship. Keep your reference number safe.
Who doesn't need to take the Life in the UK test?
You don't need to take it if you are under 18 or aged 65 or over when you apply. You may also be exempt if you have a long-term physical or mental condition that stops you taking it; you'll need an exemption form or a letter from a doctor. Check GOV.UK for the rules for your application.
Can I get extra time or other help in the test?
Yes. Ask for special arrangements when you book, for example extra time or a British Sign Language interpreter, and bring evidence such as a letter from your doctor.
Does the Life in the UK test count as my English test?
No. The Life in the UK test and the English language requirement are separate. For settlement or citizenship you usually need to meet both, unless you are exempt from either.
Is the English requirement for settlement changing?
Yes. For most settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027, you will need English at B2 level (speaking and listening) instead of B1. The Life in the UK test is separate and has not changed. Check GOV.UK for the rules for your route.
Can I take the test in another language?
The test is in English. You can ask to take it in Welsh at a test centre in Wales, or in Scottish Gaelic at a test centre in Scotland. That is why our questions stay in English, with an optional translation of every question and explanation in Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Punjabi, Chinese or French to help you understand.
Is the Life in the UK test changing?
The government has said it will "refresh" the test, and it is buying a new digital test service from late 2027, but no new handbook or test date has been announced. Today the test is still based on the 3rd edition handbook. We will update the questions in the app if the handbook changes, and you won't need to buy again.
Questions about the app itself? See SettleReady FAQ. Rules change: always check the official government website before you book.