Life in the UK Test: frequently asked questions

A test about British traditions, customs, history and government that most people applying for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) or British citizenship need to pass. It is based only on the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents.

24 questions in 45 minutes, according to GOV.UK.

75% or more, which means 18 correct answers out of 24.

£50 each time you take it.

Only on the official GOV.UK booking service at gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. It is the only official government service for booking the test.

At least 3 days in advance.

GOV.UK says there are over 30 test centres in the UK. You choose where to take your test when you book.

An email address, a debit or credit card, and an accepted form of ID. The name on your booking must exactly match the name on your ID.

If you have an eVisa, GOV.UK says to book with a share code from your UKVI account. Otherwise you can use a valid passport; a valid EU, Swiss, Icelandic, Liechtenstein or Norwegian ID card; a valid travel document with a photo (not an emergency travel document); or a BRP or BRC, as long as your test is no later than 24 months after the card's expiry date or before 31 December 2026, whichever comes first.

The same original ID you used to book. Copies and screenshots are not accepted. Your photo will also be taken on the day.

No. GOV.UK says you cannot bring children or other family members to the test centre.

You will not be able to take the test and you will not get a refund.

Yes, if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before your test. There is no refund if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days. To cancel, sign in to your Life in the UK account, select Confirmed tests, then Cancel tests.

If the test centre cancels the test. Not if you brought the wrong ID, were ill, were late, did not bring the right documents or refused to have your photo taken. You must ask within 3 months of the test date.

You get a unique reference number, which you need to complete your citizenship or settlement application. The Home Office uses it to check you passed.

You will have a letter with a test reference ID instead of a unique reference number. If you have lost it, GOV.UK says to send a letter explaining this with your application.

You can rebook as many times as you need, paying each time.

People under 18, people aged 65 or over, people who have passed it before, and people with a long-term physical or mental condition who provide an exemption form or a doctor's letter.

No. GOV.UK gives this as an example of when you do not need to take the test.

Yes. GOV.UK says you can make special requests when you book, for example for extra equipment or help accessing the centre.

The official Life in the UK Test Helpline: support@lituk.psionline.com or 0800 015 4245, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (details from GOV.UK).

The official handbook. GOV.UK says you will only be tested on information from it. It comes as a book, eBook or audio.

No. We write our own original questions covering the handbook's topics. They are for practice only.

No. We are an independent study site, not affiliated with the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration or the official test provider.

Many people find two to four weeks of regular study enough. Our study guide has a week-by-week plan. Book once you pass several different mock tests in a row with a few marks to spare.

GOV.UK mentions an official e-learning subscription and an official practice app, sold through the official Life in the UK Test shop, alongside the handbook in book, eBook and audio formats.