Pass the Life in the UK Test on your first try
338 practice questions on British values, the countries of the UK, history from the Stone Age to today, modern society and traditions, and government and the law, each with a plain-English explanation and the handbook chapter it comes from.
Practice by section
The Life in the UK Test is based on the five chapters of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). Our four practice sections follow them, with the two short opening chapters together in the first. History is the biggest chapter, followed by modern society and government and the law. Practice one section at a time, or take a full 24-question practice test that mixes every chapter, as the real test does.
Values and Principles, and What Is the UK? 45 questions
The handbook's first two chapters: the fundamental principles of British life, the responsibilities and freedoms of everyone living in the UK, the English language requirement and the citizenship pledge, then the four countries of the UK and Great Britain, the country's official name, Crown dependencies, British overseas territories and devolved government.
A Long and Illustrious History 97 questions
Stone Age Britain, the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans, the Middle Ages, the Tudors and Stuarts, union, empire and the Industrial Revolution, two world wars and Britain since 1945, with the key dates, people and inventions.
A Modern, Thriving Society 98 questions
Population, capitals and languages, religion, patron saints, festivals and holidays, sport and famous sportspeople, music, theatre, art, architecture, literature, food, film, leisure and places of interest.
The UK Government, the Law and Your Role 98 questions
The constitution and the monarchy, Parliament and elections, the Prime Minister and cabinet, the devolved governments, international bodies, criminal and civil law, the police and courts, human rights and equality, tax, driving and your role in the community.
What full access includes
- All 338 questions on British values, the countries of the UK, history, modern society, and government and the law
- An explanation for every answer, with the handbook chapter it comes from
- Unlimited full 24-question practice tests, mixing every chapter like the real test
- Practice tests for each section of the handbook
- A review of every question you missed at the end of each test
- Works on your phone, tablet or computer, with no app or account
About the Life in the UK exam
Who needs to take the Life in the UK Test?
Most people applying for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) or British citizenship need to pass it, if the guidance for their application says so. You don't need to take it if you are under 18, are 65 or over, have passed it before, or have a long-term physical or mental condition that stops you taking it, which needs an exemption form or a doctor's letter. Check the guidance for your application on GOV.UK.
How is the test structured?
The test has 24 questions and you have 45 minutes. You take it on a computer at an approved test centre in the UK. The questions are about British values, history, traditions, government and law, and come only from the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). Most questions have one correct answer; some ask whether a statement is true or false, or ask you to choose two answers.
What score do I need to pass?
You need 75%, which is 18 correct answers out of 24. Our full practice tests use the same pass mark. Aim to score well above it before your test day.
How do I book the test, and how much does it cost?
The test costs £50 and is booked online through the official Life in the UK Test booking service on GOV.UK, at least 3 days in advance. There are over 30 test centres around the UK. The name you book with must match your ID exactly. Book only through GOV.UK: this site does not sell or book the official test.
What happens if I fail?
You can take the test again as many times as you need. You must wait at least 7 days before your next attempt, and you book and pay the £50 fee again each time.
Which handbook do your questions follow?
The test is based only on the 3rd edition of the official handbook, so our questions are too. Some facts in it are now out of date: for example, it names Queen Elizabeth II as the monarch and describes the UK as a member of the European Union. The test follows the handbook, so our questions do as well, and our explanations say "according to the handbook" where things have changed.
Is this the official test?
No. This is independent practice material to help you prepare. The Life in the UK Test is run for the Home Office. This site is not affiliated with the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration or any part of the UK government, and our questions are not taken from the real test. The official test can only be booked through GOV.UK.