The Life in the UK Test explained
The Life in the UK Test is 24 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes. You pass at 75% — that is 18 out of 24 correct. It costs £50, is taken at a registered test centre, and is required for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) and British citizenship. Every question comes from the official handbook, Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition).
24
Questions
45 min
Time limit
75% (18/24)
Pass mark
£50
Cost
What the test covers
The handbook — and therefore the test — is organised around five areas: the values and principles of the UK; what the UK is; a long and illustrious history; a modern, thriving society; and the UK government, the law and your role. Questions are drawn across all of them, so a realistic mock exam mixes chapters rather than testing one in isolation.
How to prepare
The most reliable way to pass is repeated practice under real exam conditions: 24 questions, 45 minutes, no feedback until the end. Practise each chapter, then take timed mock exams, and focus your revision on the questions you get wrong. Our free practice tool has 500 up-to-date questions, a realistic 24-question timed exam, and tracks the questions you keep getting wrong so you can drill them. You can also browse sample questions by chapter with answers and explanations.
Frequently asked questions
- How many questions are on the Life in the UK Test and how long is it?
- The test has 24 multiple-choice questions and you have 45 minutes to answer them.
- What is the pass mark for the Life in the UK Test?
- You need to answer at least 75% correctly — that is 18 out of 24 questions.
- How much does the Life in the UK Test cost?
- The test costs £50. You book it online on GOV.UK and sit it at a registered test centre, booking at least three days in advance.
- What do I need to study for the Life in the UK Test?
- Every question is based on the official handbook, 'Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents' (3rd edition). It covers British values and principles, the UK's history, traditions and culture, and how the government and law work.
- Who needs to take the Life in the UK Test?
- You usually need to pass it if you are aged 18 to 65 and applying for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) or for British citizenship. Some people are exempt, for example on grounds of age or a long-term physical or mental condition.
- Does a Life in the UK Test pass expire?
- No. Once you pass, the result does not expire and can be used for both a settlement (ILR) application and, later, a citizenship application.