How to pass the Life in the UK test
Checked against official sources on 1 October 2026
The Life in the UK test has 24 questions and you need 75% to pass, which is 18 correct. Every question comes from the official handbook, and the history chapter is where most people lose marks. Here is how the test works and a plan to get ready.
- Questions
- 24
- Pass mark
- 18 correct
- Time
- 45 min
How the test works
- 24 questions in 45 minutes.
- You must score 75% or more, which is 18 correct.
- It costs £50, paid when you book.
- You must book online at least 3 days in advance.
- There are over 30 test centres across the UK.
- You need it for British citizenship or settlement (indefinite leave to remain).
You do not need to take the test if you are under 18, are 65 or over, have passed it before, or have a long-term physical or mental condition (you must provide an exemption form or a doctor's letter).
What to study
The test only uses information from the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. It has five chapters: the values and principles of the UK, what the UK is, its history, modern society, and government and the law.
The history chapter is the longest and has the most dates, monarchs and battles, so give it the most time. Many questions ask you to match a person or an event to a date or a place.
Use practice questions to test yourself after each chapter. They show you what you have not remembered, but the real questions can come from any page of the handbook.
On test day
- Bring the same ID you used to book the test. It must be the original, not a copy or a screenshot.
- Accepted ID includes a valid passport, an eVisa share code from your UKVI account, or a valid travel document with a photo.
- The centre takes your photo to confirm who you are.
- Without the right ID, or if you refuse the photo, you cannot take the test and you do not get a refund.
- You cannot bring children or other family members to the centre.
After the test
If you pass, you get a unique reference number. You need it for your citizenship or settlement application, so keep it safe.
If you fail, you can book again as many times as you need, but you pay £50 each time. Reread the chapters you were least sure of before you rebook.
A 3-week study plan
About 30 minutes a day. The handbook is longer than most people expect, so do not leave it to the last week.
- Week 1Read the two short opening chapters and the first half of the history chapter. Do our topic quiz after each one.
- Week 2Finish history, then read modern society and government and the law. Write the dates you keep forgetting on one sheet of paper.
- Week 3Take full 24-question practice tests with the 45-minute timer. Book the real test once you score 21 or more, three times in a row.
- The day beforeCheck your booking, and put the ID you booked with where you will not forget it.
Practise for free
Full 24-question practice tests with the real pass mark, and a quiz for every topic. Every answer is explained.
Common mistakes
- Booking the test before starting to study, then running out of time.
- Bringing different ID from the one used to book, or a photo of it instead of the original.
- Rushing the history chapter: it is the longest and the most detailed.
- Ignoring the sections on sport, arts and customs, which also appear in the test.
- Only memorising practice questions and never reading the handbook.
Questions
- What is the pass mark for the Life in the UK test?
- You must score 75% or more. With 24 questions, that means at least 18 correct answers.
- How much does the Life in the UK test cost?
- It costs £50. If you fail and book again, you pay £50 each time.
- How many times can you take the Life in the UK test?
- As many times as you need. You have to book and pay again for each attempt.
- How long does it take to prepare for the Life in the UK test?
- Most people need 2 to 4 weeks at about 30 minutes a day. The history chapter takes the longest.
- What do I need to bring to the Life in the UK test?
- The same original ID you used when you booked, such as your passport. Copies and screenshots are not accepted, and you cannot bring family members.
Official sources
TestWise Prep is an independent practice site and is not affiliated with the government of United Kingdom. The test facts on this page come from the official pages above; the study plan and tips are our own advice. Rules can change, so always confirm on the official website.