Life in the UK Test: format, pass mark, booking and free practice test
The test has 24 questions, you have 45 minutes, and you need 18 correct answers to pass. It costs £50 and you book it on GOV.UK. Here is everything you need to know — and a free mock test with 384 practice questions and explanations.
Free Life in the UK practice test
Just like the real test: 24 questions, 45 minutes, and you need 18 correct answers (75%) to pass. After the test you see every mistake with an explanation.
These are practice questions written by Langula, not official test questions. The real questions are not published; they are based on the official handbook.
What is the Life in the UK test?
The Life in the UK test checks what you know about British traditions, history, values and the way the country is run. It is one part of the “knowledge of language and life in the UK” requirement for settlement and citizenship. The other part is English: most people also need English at level B1 in speaking and listening — see our page on the English requirement.
All questions are based on one book, the official handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. GOV.UK says you will only be tested on information from this guide. It is available as a printed book, an eBook and in audio formats.
Computer-based
Taken at an official test centre. Most questions have four answers, some ask whether a statement is true or false.
Result on the day
You find out straight away and receive a unique reference number (URN) by email for your application.
Three languages
English everywhere; Welsh at test centres in Wales and Scottish Gaelic in Scotland.
No limit on attempts
Home Office guidance allows as many attempts as you need — each booking costs £50.
Do you need to take the test?
Usually needed for
- Settlement in the UK (indefinite leave to remain)
- British citizenship (naturalisation)
The exact rules depend on your application — check the guidance for your form before you book.
You do not need it if you
- are under 18
- are 65 or over
- have passed it before — the same pass counts later for citizenship
- have a long-term physical or mental condition (exemption form or doctor’s letter)
How to book the test in 4 steps
Book on GOV.UK
Use the official GOV.UK booking service at least 3 days before your test date. The fee is £50.
Have your ID ready
You need an email address, a debit or credit card and an accepted ID — or a share code if you have an eVisa.
Choose a test centre
There are more than 30 centres across the UK. You can ask for help or special equipment if you have a disability.
Take the test
24 questions in 45 minutes. You get your result on the same day and your URN by email.
The name in your booking must be exactly the same as on your ID — a missing middle name can be a problem on the day. And book only on GOV.UK: it states that its service is the only official one.
Accepted ID includes a valid passport, a valid national identity card from an EU country, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, a valid travel document with a photo (not an emergency travel document), or a biometric residence permit or card. The photo must look like you.
Your result and the unique reference number
You are told on the same day whether you passed. You also get an email with a unique reference number (URN), whether you passed or not, and you can see the result in your online account with the test provider. There is no paper pass letter any more: you write the URN on your settlement or citizenship application, and the Home Office checks your result with it.
If you do not pass, you can book again. Because every booking costs £50, it is worth practising until you score well above 18 in mock tests.
How to prepare: our 3-step plan
Read the handbook
Go through the official guide one chapter at a time. Make short notes in your own words.
Revise by topic
Use our study pages to check what you remember — each topic has notes and practice questions with explanations.
Take mock tests
Practise full tests until you pass every time with a margin. The trainer saves your mistakes for you.
Most people find history the hardest chapter: lots of dates and names. Learn a few dates every day with a simple timeline.
Study the five topics
The values and principles of the UK
Study notes and 40 practice questions with explanations.
Open →What is the UK?
Study notes and 38 practice questions with explanations.
Open →A long and illustrious history
Study notes and 130 practice questions with explanations.
Open →A modern, thriving society
Study notes and 86 practice questions with explanations.
Open →The UK government, the law and your role
Study notes and 90 practice questions with explanations.
Open →Frequently asked questions
Sources and disclaimer
Last checked: October 2026. Official information:
- GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test
- Home Office: Knowledge of language and life in the UK (guidance, 18 December 2025)
- Home Office: KoLL exemption form (pass mark)
Langula is not connected to the Home Office or the official test provider. This page is general information, not immigration or legal advice. Rules and fees can change — always check GOV.UK before you book or apply. The practice questions and study notes on these pages are our own and are not the official test questions; study the official handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents for the test.
Improve your English while you prepare
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