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The Life in the UK Test is a computer-based test of British history, traditions, government and everyday life. It has 24 multiple-choice questions, a 45-minute time limit and a pass mark of 75% (18 correct answers). Each attempt costs £50. Most adults applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also known as UK settlement, or British citizenship must pass it unless an exemption applies.
Passing the test is an important milestone, but it does not mean you automatically qualify for settlement. This guide explains how the test works, how to prepare and book, who is exempt and how to plan the next stage of your ILR application.
Key takeaways
- The test contains 24 questions and lasts 45 minutes.
- You need 18 correct answers (75%) to pass.
- The fee is £50 per attempt.
- Most settlement and naturalisation applicants aged 18 to 64 need to pass unless exempt or covered by different route-specific requirements.
- Book using the official GOV.UK service, normally at least three days ahead.
- A pass does not expire and can normally be reused for a later British citizenship application.
- For ILR, you must still satisfy the qualifying residence period, absence limits and other requirements of your particular immigration route.
What is the Life in the UK Test?
The Life in the UK Test assesses knowledge of subjects covered in the official Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents handbook. Questions concern British history, the UK's institutions and government, traditions, culture and everyday life.
The test is one way applicants demonstrate the knowledge-of-life requirement for settlement and naturalisation. It is separate from the English language requirement. Someone may pass the test but still need to demonstrate the required level of English for their application.
Who needs to take the Life in the UK Test for ILR?
Many adults aged 18 to 64 applying for ILR or UK settlement must pass the test. This commonly includes applicants settling after qualifying residence on Skilled Worker and certain family routes. However, the requirements are not identical across every settlement category, so the correct immigration route must be identified first.
People applying for British citizenship by naturalisation also generally need to meet the knowledge-of-life requirement unless exempt. A pass previously used for ILR can normally be reused for naturalisation.
Who is exempt from the Life in the UK Test?
Applicants under 18 and those aged 65 or over are generally exempt. A person with a qualifying long-term physical or mental condition that prevents them from meeting the requirement may also be exempt, provided the prescribed medical evidence is supplied.
A medical diagnosis alone does not automatically establish an exemption. The Home Office has specific evidential requirements, and exemptions should be assessed against the immigration application being made. Someone who has already passed the test does not ordinarily need to take it again.
How many questions are in the test and what is the pass mark?
There are 24 multiple-choice questions and 45 minutes to complete them. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass, equivalent to 75%. The questions are based on the official study handbook.
How to prepare for the Life in the UK Test
Start with the official Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents handbook and work through its sections methodically. Practice questions and mock tests can help you identify gaps in your knowledge and get used to the timed format, but they should not replace studying the official material.
Allow enough preparation time for topics you may not encounter in daily life, particularly historical events and constitutional arrangements. Be cautious about unofficial websites that claim to provide the exact questions you will face.
There is no need to leave the test until immediately before applying for settlement. Because a pass does not expire, many applicants benefit from completing it well ahead of their ILR qualifying date.
How much does the Life in the UK Test cost?
The Life in the UK Test costs £50 per attempt. If you do not pass, you must pay again to retake it. The fee is separate from the Home Office fee for your ILR or citizenship application and from any professional immigration advice.
For an overview of government charges, see our UK visa and settlement fees guide.
How to book the Life in the UK Test
- Go to the official GOV.UK Life in the UK Test page.
- Check the identification documents and personal details required for your booking.
- Select an authorised test centre and available appointment. You normally need to book at least three days ahead.
- Pay the £50 fee and retain your confirmation.
- Attend the test centre with the identity documents specified in your booking instructions.
Use the official booking service rather than paying a third-party website simply to reserve a test. If you need reasonable adjustments or have a question about acceptable identity documents, check the current booking guidance before paying.
What happens on the day of the test?
The test centre will check your identity and explain the procedure. You will have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions on a computer. Results are normally provided on the day. If you pass, keep the result reference or confirmation securely because it will be needed for your settlement or citizenship application.
What happens if you fail?
You can take the test again after a waiting period of at least seven days. Each retake requires another booking and £50 payment. There is no general limit on the number of attempts, but repeated bookings can delay an ILR application if the test is left until the last minute.
Does the Life in the UK Test result expire?
A Life in the UK Test pass does not expire under current rules. You can normally rely on the same pass for your ILR settlement application and a later application to naturalise as a British citizen. Keep the pass reference safe even if you do not intend to apply immediately.
After passing the test: what else is required for ILR and settlement?
The Life in the UK Test is only one part of a successful settlement application. Depending on your immigration route, the Home Office may also assess:
- Qualifying residence: whether you have completed the required period on an eligible route.
- Absences: whether time spent outside the UK meets the continuous residence rules applicable to your route.
- Current immigration status: whether you hold appropriate permission and apply at the correct time.
- English language: whether you meet the separate language requirement or qualify for an exemption.
- Employment, sponsorship or family circumstances: any additional requirements relevant to your particular settlement route.
- Supporting evidence: whether the application accurately demonstrates that each requirement has been met.
For many applicants, calculating the correct qualifying period and absences takes more work than passing the test. The government has proposed changes to the settlement system, but proposed earned settlement reforms must be distinguished from the rules actually in force when you apply.
Our indefinite leave to remain and UK settlement service is designed for people who want professional assistance with assessing eligibility, preparing evidence and submitting the application. For a wider explanation of the status you will obtain, read what having ILR means.
Watch: Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Our ILR video explains the application process and why preparing for settlement involves more than passing the Life in the UK Test.
How Immtell can help with your ILR application
Immtell advises individuals applying for settlement, including those approaching the end of their qualifying residence period. Our Managing Director, Gavin Webster, has 23 years of UK immigration experience, including 13 years working for the Home Office and experience in overseas visa decision-making roles.
We can assess your settlement route and earliest application date, review your travel and absence history, identify supporting documents, prepare your application and guide you through submission. This is separate from the test itself: we do not administer the Life in the UK Test or guarantee that a candidate will pass.
“I've failed more than one practice Life in the UK Test myself, so I appreciate the preparation that goes into passing it. But the test is only one part of settlement. I would much rather someone comes to us early enough to check their qualifying residence, absences and documents than discovers a problem when they are ready to submit their ILR application.”
Gavin Webster, Managing Director, Immtell
Life in the UK Test: frequently asked questions
How many questions are in the Life in the UK Test?
The Life in the UK Test has 24 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 45 minutes to complete the test and need at least 18 correct answers to pass.
What is the Life in the UK Test pass mark?
The Life in the UK Test pass mark is 75%, which means answering at least 18 of the 24 questions correctly.
How much does the Life in the UK Test cost?
The Life in the UK Test costs £50 per attempt. A new fee is payable if you need to retake it.
How do I book the Life in the UK Test?
The Life in the UK Test must be booked using the official GOV.UK booking service, normally at least three days in advance. You will need to follow the identity-document requirements shown when booking.
Who is exempt from the Life in the UK Test?
Applicants under 18 or aged 65 or over are generally exempt from the Life in the UK Test. A person with a qualifying long-term physical or mental condition may also be exempt if they provide the required medical evidence. Some immigration routes have different rules.
Can I retake the Life in the UK Test if I fail?
Candidates who fail the Life in the UK Test can book another attempt after at least seven days. Each attempt costs £50.
Does a Life in the UK Test pass expire?
A Life in the UK Test pass does not expire under current rules. Someone who passes for an ILR application can normally use the same result when applying later for British citizenship.
Do I need the Life in the UK Test for ILR?
Most applicants aged 18 to 64 seeking indefinite leave to remain under routes that require knowledge of life in the UK must pass the Life in the UK Test, unless exempt. The requirements depend on the settlement route.
Is passing the Life in the UK Test enough to get settlement?
Passing the Life in the UK Test does not by itself qualify someone for settlement. An ILR application must also meet the relevant immigration route's residence, absence, immigration status, English language and other requirements.
Can I take the Life in the UK Test before I qualify for ILR?
You can generally take the Life in the UK Test before your ILR qualifying date. Because a pass does not expire, taking it early can leave more time to address other settlement requirements.
Preparing to Apply for ILR?
Passing the Life in the UK Test is one step. We can check your settlement eligibility, review absences and prepare your ILR application.
Test information reviewed against official GOV.UK guidance. Last updated 13 November 2026.
