What is the Life in the UK Test?
The Life in the UK Test is a computer-based exam that almost everyone applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) or British citizenship must pass. It checks your knowledge of British traditions, history, values and everyday life.
Every question comes from the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. You book the test through GOV.UK and take it at an approved test centre. There is a fee to sit the official exam, and you can retake it if you do not pass first time.
How the test works
- 24
- multiple-choice questions
- 45
- minutes to finish
- 75%
- to pass (18 of 24 correct)
Our 19 free practice tests mirror this exactly: 24 questions, a 45-minute countdown, and the same 75% pass mark, so the real exam feels familiar.
What the test covers
The handbook is organised into five chapters. Our question bank is drawn from across all of them, so the practice tests reflect the full breadth of the exam.
- 1
The values and principles of the UK
The fundamental principles of British life — democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance, and the rights and responsibilities that come with permanent residence or citizenship.
- 2
What is the UK?
The countries that make up the United Kingdom, its geography, capital cities, national symbols and flags.
- 3
A long and illustrious history
British history from early settlers and the Romans through the Middle Ages, the Tudors and Stuarts, the Industrial Revolution, both World Wars and the modern era.
- 4
A modern, thriving society
Everyday life in the UK today — customs and traditions, sport, arts and culture, religion, places of interest and the make-up of the population.
- 5
The UK government, the law and your role
How the UK is governed — Parliament, the monarchy, devolution, elections, the legal system, and how you can take part in your community.
How to prepare
- Read the official handbook at least once so you recognise the names, dates and events the questions rely on.
- Take timed practice tests under real conditions — 24 questions in 45 minutes — to build speed and confidence.
- Review the explanation after every question; understanding why an answer is right sticks better than memorising.
- Repeat tests until you consistently score above 75%, then keep going to cover questions from every chapter.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Life in the UK test?
The official test has 24 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes to answer them, all drawn from the official handbook "Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents".
What is the pass mark for the Life in the UK test?
You need to answer at least 18 of the 24 questions correctly — that is 75%. Each of our practice tests uses the same 24-question, 45-minute, 75%-to-pass format so you can rehearse the real thing.
Who needs to take the Life in the UK test?
Most people applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) or British citizenship (naturalisation) must pass the Life in the UK test, usually alongside meeting an English language requirement. Some applicants are exempt, for example those under 18 or over 65, or people with a long-term medical condition.
Are these practice tests free?
Yes. All 19 practice tests on this site are completely free, with no sign-up required. Each test gives you instant feedback and a short explanation from the handbook after every question.
How is this different from the official test?
This is unofficial study material designed to model the style and difficulty of the real exam. The questions are written to mirror the official format and are not provided by the UK government. The real test must be booked through GOV.UK and taken at an approved test centre.
This is unofficial study material. Questions are written to model the official style and have not been provided by the UK government. Always check GOV.UK for current fees, booking and eligibility rules.