The Life in the UK test is a mandatory requirement for most ILR applications. 24 questions, 45 minutes, 75% pass mark (18 correct answers). The fee is £50 per attempt with no limit on retakes. Your pass certificate does not expire, so you can take the test well in advance of your ILR application — and it is worth doing so. For the full list of ILR requirements including the Life in the UK test and English language, see our ILR requirements guide. For our ILR service, see the ILR service page.
What Is the Life in the UK Test?
The Life in the UK test is a computer-based test that assesses knowledge of British history, values, culture, and public institutions. The official study materials are published in a handbook — Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents — and the test is drawn entirely from this handbook. The test is taken at an approved test centre in the UK. You cannot take it online from home or outside the UK.
Who Has to Take the Life in the UK Test?
All ILR applicants aged 18 to 64 must take and pass the test, unless they qualify for an exemption. The test must have been passed before the ILR application is submitted. Exemptions apply to:
- Under 18: applicants under 18 at the date of the ILR application
- 65 or over: applicants aged 65 or over at the date of the ILR application
- Long-term physical or mental condition: applicants unable to take the test due to a qualifying long-term condition — medical evidence will be required
Age is calculated at the ILR application date, not the date of the test. If you will turn 65 before you submit your ILR application, you are exempt — plan this carefully and document your age at the application date clearly.
How to Book the Test
Bookings are made through the official government booking system at gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. You will need to create an account, choose a test centre, and pay the £50 fee. You can reschedule or cancel without penalty up to three working days before the test. Test centres are operated by PSI Services. There are around 30 centres across the UK, concentrated in major cities. In busy periods, appointment availability can be limited — allow at least two to three weeks between booking and your preferred test date.
Pass Mark and Test Format
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 24 |
| Time allowed | 45 minutes |
| Question format | Multiple choice — one or two correct answers per question |
| Pass mark | 18 out of 24 (75%) |
| Result | Immediate — you are told whether you passed or failed at the end of the test |
| Certificate | Issued by post within 7–10 days of a pass; does not expire |
| Cost per attempt | £50 |
| Attempt limit | None |
How to Prepare for the Test
The test is drawn entirely from the official handbook. All questions are based on the content of Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (4th edition). Buy or borrow the current edition — do not use older versions, as the content has been updated.
- Read the handbook from cover to cover at least once — it is approximately 180 pages
- Use the official practice tests available on the gov.uk website after you book
- Focus on dates, names, and specific facts — these are tested directly
- Do not rely on general knowledge — the test covers the specific content of the handbook, not broader British trivia
Most people with good reading comprehension who study the handbook properly for one to two weeks pass on their first attempt. If you failed previously, identify which areas caused problems and focus your revision there — the test covers the same handbook each time.
What Happens If You Fail?
You can rebook immediately after a failure. There is no waiting period and no limit on attempts. Each attempt costs £50. Your result is given at the test centre immediately after completing the test. A failed attempt does not affect your ILR application, provided you pass before submitting the application. Do not submit your ILR application until you have the pass certificate in hand.
Test Certificate and Your ILR Application
The pass certificate is sent by post within seven to ten working days of passing. Keep it safe — you will need to include it with your ILR application. If you lose the certificate, you can request a replacement from PSI Services for a fee. The certificate does not expire, so there is no benefit in delaying the test until you are close to your ILR qualifying date. Taking it early gives you time to rebook if you do not pass first time, and reduces the number of things to organise in the weeks before your ILR application. The same pass certificate is also used for a later British citizenship naturalisation application — you do not need to retake the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Life in the UK test?
24 questions in 45 minutes. You need to answer at least 18 correctly (75%) to pass. The questions are multiple choice, with one or two correct answers per question.
How many times can I take the Life in the UK test?
As many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts and no waiting period between attempts. Each attempt costs £50. A failed attempt does not affect your ILR application, provided you pass before you submit it.
Does the Life in the UK test certificate expire?
No. Once you pass, the certificate is valid indefinitely. If you passed the test for a previous visa application, that certificate is still valid for ILR and for a subsequent citizenship application.
Can I take the test if I am not yet eligible for ILR?
Yes. You can take the test at any time — it is not linked to your visa status. Taking it early reduces the number of tasks to manage in the lead-up to your ILR application.
Where can I find the official study materials?
The official handbook is Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 4th edition. It is available from the official publisher (TSO) and major bookshops. Do not use older editions or unofficial guides — the test is drawn entirely from the current official handbook.
Need personalised advice?
This guide provides general information only. For advice tailored to your circumstances, speak to one of our immigration advisers.
BOOK A CONSULTATION →