The Life in the UK test is a crucial step for individuals applying for British citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
What is the Life in the UK test?
The Life in the UK test is a computer-based test that must be taken as part of an application for British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain (ILR). The test was introduced in 2005 for citizenship applications and 2007 for ILR applications.
Individuals are tested on information in the official handbook for the Life in the UK Test and are advised to study in preparation for the test by learning the material in the book, which covers UK history, the British government, UK geography, culture & customs.
Who is exempt from taking the test?
There is no requirement to take the test if you:
- are under 18
- are 65 or over
- have passed it before — for example, if applying to become a citizen and already passed it as part of a settlement application
- have a long-term physical or mental condition — either an exemption form or a letter from a doctor confirming the physical or mental condition must be provided.
What is the pass rate for the Life in the UK test?
You must score 75% or more to pass the test. Your life in the UK account will be updated with your unique reference number (URN), which you should use to progress your ILR or citizenship application.
Life in the UK test fee and location
You must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance. It costs £50. The fee will be refunded if you cancel your test at least three days in advance.
There are over 30 test centres in the UK. You can choose where to take your test when you book.
ID: acceptable documents
You must bring the same ID that you used to book the test. Your photo will also be taken on the day to confirm your ID.
You can use one of the following as ID to book the test:
- valid passport
- valid travel document with a photo (you cannot use an emergency travel document)
- biometric residence permit
- biometric residence card
Check the ‘Identification requirements’ document to make sure the ID you have is acceptable.
Tips for the test
Some tips are:
- Read the full question — Questions may be taken directly taken from the official handbook/mock tests. Read each question in full before choosing an answer — they are randomly generated and may vary.
- It is a multiple-choice test — be aware that some questions may require choosing more than one correct answer.
- Learn the material — read the handbook to ensure you have a complete understanding of the content
- Take time — some questions will be more difficult than others. Take time to read each question carefully and answer all the questions. Don’t rush or panic.
- Bear in mind the pass rate — it is not a requirement to get every question right. The pass rate is 75%, — this is 18 correct answers out of 24.
Further details
The official site is here - https://www.officiallifeintheuk.co.uk/
Practice tests are also available online.
What happens if you do not pass the exam?
If you answer fewer than 18 questions correctly, you will fail the test. You can rebook the test as many times as you need. You’ll have to pay each time.
Requesting a refund
You’ll get a refund if you cancel your test at least 3 days (72 hours) before you’re due to take the test. You will not get a refund if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days of your test.
Read further at:
Further details are here: Life in the UK Test: Book the Life in the UK Test - GOV.UK
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This article was written by Carolyn Bowie and Anisa Hussain.
Carolyn is a key member of the firm's business immigration team. She has extensive experience in professional legal services and has been a member of the team since January 2018.
Anisa is a solicitor within our immigration team.
