The Life in the UK Test is a compulsory step for most people applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship. This guide explains what the test covers, who has to take it, the current pass mark and fee, what changed in 2026, and it includes a free practice quiz to check your knowledge before booking.
TL;DR
The Life in the UK Test has 24 multiple-choice questions to answer in 45 minutes. The pass mark is 75%, which means 18 correct answers. Each attempt costs £50 and is non-refundable if you fail. A single pass can be used for both settlement and citizenship and does not expire. Every question is drawn from the official Home Office handbook.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Key facts
- Format: 24 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes.
- Pass mark: 75%, which is 18 out of 24 correct.
- Fee: £50 per attempt, non-refundable if you fail.
- Retakes: allowed after 7 days, with no limit on the number of attempts.
- Validity: a pass does not expire and covers both ILR and citizenship.
What the Life in the UK Test is
The Life in the UK Test checks knowledge of British history, government, law, values, traditions and everyday life. It forms part of the Knowledge of Language and Life requirement for settlement and naturalisation. The test is computer-based and is taken in person at an approved test centre, and it is booked through the official GOV.UK service. Results are calculated immediately, and a pass produces a unique reference number that is used in the visa application.
Who needs to take it
Most adults applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship must pass the test. This includes people applying for settlement after five years on a route such as the Skilled Worker visa, partners of British citizens or settled persons, and applicants on long residence routes. Some people are exempt: those under 18, those aged 65 or over, and applicants with a long-term physical or mental condition supported by medical evidence. A pass already gained for a settlement application does not need to be repeated for a later citizenship application.
What the test covers
Every question comes only from the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). Nothing in the test comes from outside that book. The material spans the values and principles of the UK, a long sweep of British history, how government and the law work, and practical details of daily life. Because the questions test specific facts rather than general familiarity, reading the handbook closely matters even for people who have lived in the UK for years.
How to prepare and pass
Two habits separate a first-time pass from a costly retake: reading the handbook in full, and practising mock questions under timed conditions. National figures show that the history and government chapters cause the most failures, so extra revision on those sections is worth the time. Sitting practice tests also builds familiarity with the multiple-choice format, which is where unprepared candidates often lose marks.
Free Life in the UK practice quiz
The questions below are original revision questions written in the style of the test. They are a quick knowledge check, not the official questions, which are drawn only from the handbook. Select an answer for each, then check the results.
Printed revision books
Some applicants prefer a printed practice book alongside online questions. A range of revision titles is listed on Amazon.
Disclosure: this is an affiliate link. Kael Tripton may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to the reader. The only official study material is the Home Office handbook, listed in Sources below.
What changed in 2026
Under the Earned Settlement reforms introduced this year, the pass result links directly to the applicant's digital UKVI account through the unique reference number. The question bank was updated to include recent events, including the Coronation of King Charles III. Retakes must now be booked directly through GOV.UK, because third-party fast-track booking services are no longer permitted. Fees and rules can change, so the current position should always be confirmed on GOV.UK before booking.
Related guides
Planning settlement or citizenship: see the UK visa and immigration hub for routes, timelines and the steps that lead to ILR.
Disclaimer: This article is general information about the Life in the UK Test and is not immigration advice. For help with a specific application, consult an adviser registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) or a qualified solicitor. Fees and rules change: confirm current details on GOV.UK before booking a test.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Life in the UK Test?
There are 24 multiple-choice questions to complete in 45 minutes. A score of 18 or more, which is 75%, is needed to pass.
How much does the Life in the UK Test cost?
The current fee is £50 per attempt. It is non-refundable if the candidate fails, and a fresh fee is payable for each booking.
Can the test be retaken?
Yes. A failed test can be retaken after a wait of at least seven days, and there is no limit on the number of attempts. The fee applies each time.
Does a Life in the UK Test pass expire?
No. A pass does not expire, and a single pass can be used for both an Indefinite Leave to Remain application and a later British citizenship application.
Who is exempt from the test?
People under 18 and people aged 65 or over are exempt, as are some applicants with a long-term physical or mental condition supported by medical evidence.
Sources
GOV.UK, Life in the UK Test: gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. Official handbook: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition).
