Life in the UK test

About the exam

The Life in the UK test is a short computer-based test on British values, history, traditions and how the country is governed. Most people applying to settle in the UK permanently (indefinite leave to remain) or to become a British citizen need a pass, and the Home Office checks it against the unique reference number you receive when you pass.

Every question is drawn from one book: the Home Office's official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. You only pass the test once; the same pass can be used later, for example for settlement and then for citizenship.

What catches many candidates out is not the questions but the ID check. The name on your booking must match your ID exactly, you must bring the original document you booked with, and if the ID is wrong or you refuse to be photographed you cannot sit the test and do not get your money back.

Who has to sit it

You may need the test if you are applying for settlement or for British citizenship; the guidance for the application you are making says whether it applies to you. You do not need to take it if you are under 18, are 65 or over, have already passed it, or have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you, in which case a medical professional completes the Home Office exemption form (or you send a doctor's letter) with your application. Passing the test does not cover the separate English language requirement for these applications.

What is on it

The values and principles of the UK

The fundamental principles of British life, such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and tolerance, and the responsibilities and freedoms of residents.

What is the UK?

The countries that make up the UK and how they relate to one another.

A long and illustrious history

British history from early Britain through the Middle Ages, the rise of a global power and the period since 1945, including key events and people.

A modern, thriving society

Today's UK: religion, customs and traditions, sport, the arts, leisure and notable cultural figures across the four nations.

The UK government, the law and your role

How Parliament and government work, the courts and the law, and how residents take part in their community, for example by voting or volunteering.

The paper

• 24 questions on British traditions, customs and life, taken on computer.
• 45 minutes to answer them.
• You must score 75% or more to pass, which is at least 18 of the 24 questions.
• Questions are based only on the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (available as a book, eBook or audio).
• Your photo is taken at the centre on the day to confirm your identity; family members and children cannot come into the centre with you.
• If you need adjustments, for example equipment for a disability or help getting into the centre, ask for them when you book.

How to book it

1. Check the guidance for your settlement or citizenship application to confirm you need the test and are not exempt.
2. Book online through the official Life in the UK test booking service at least 3 days before the date you want. You need an email address, a debit or credit card and an accepted ID.
3. Accepted ID is an eVisa share code, a valid passport, a valid EU, Swiss, Icelandic, Liechtenstein or Norwegian ID card, a valid photo travel document (not an emergency one), or a biometric residence permit or card, the last only up to 24 months after its expiry and no later than 31 December 2026. The name must match your booking exactly.
4. Choose one of more than 30 test centres in the UK when you book.
5. On the day, bring the original ID you booked with; copies and screenshots are refused.
6. If you pass, you get a unique reference number to put on your settlement or citizenship application.
7. If you fail, you can book again as many times as you need, paying the fee each time.

Fees and dates

Fee

GBP 50 per attempt (about EUR 58) (source 1)

When

On demand at more than 30 UK centres; book at least 3 days ahead (source 1)

Pass mark

75% (at least 18 of 24 correct) (source 2)

Retakes

No limit on attempts; each one is paid for (source 2)

Cancellation

Full refund if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test; none within 3 days (source 2)

Refund and complaint deadline

Within 3 months of the test date, through the test provider PSI (source 2)

Fees and dates change: each is as its source stated it on 29 October 2026. Check it there before you book.

Questions people ask

How many questions are on the Life in the UK test?

There are 24 questions and you have 45 minutes to answer them. They cover British traditions, customs, history and government, and all are based on the official handbook.

What is the pass mark?

You need 75% or more, which means at least 18 correct answers out of 24.

How much does it cost?

The test costs GBP 50, paid by card when you book. You pay again for every attempt.

Who is exempt from the test?

People under 18, people aged 65 or over, people who have already passed, and people with a long-term physical or mental condition that stops them taking it. The last group needs the official exemption form, completed by a medical professional, or a doctor's letter.

What happens if I fail?

You can book and sit the test again as many times as you need, but each attempt costs the full fee. Your application cannot rely on the test until you have passed.

Can I get a refund if I cannot attend?

Yes, if you cancel through your booking account at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test; the money goes back to the card you used. There is no refund if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days, arrive late, are ill, bring the wrong ID or refuse the photo.

What do I need from the test for my application?

When you pass you receive a unique reference number, which you give on your settlement or citizenship application so the Home Office can confirm your pass. People who passed before 17 December 2019 received a letter with a test reference ID instead.

Sources

1. Life in the UK Test — GOV.UK
2. Life in the UK Test (printable guide: what happens at the test; cancellations, refunds and complaints) — GOV.UK
3. Life in the UK test exemption: long-term physical or mental condition — GOV.UK
4. Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition — TSO

Checked against these sources on 29 October 2026.