Life in the UK - Complete guide with practice tests

Life in the UK Test Guide

Life in the UK is a computer-based test aimed to prove that the applicant for British Citizenship or Settlement has sufficient knowledge of British life and sufficient proficiency in the English language

This test includes topics such as British values, history, traditions and everyday life and is compiled from the official handbook The Official Life in the United Kingdom - A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition) handbook.

Testing is not directly administered by UK Visas and Immigration but is carried out by Learndirect, a private company.

Visit here to book your life in the UK test.

Who needs to take the test?

Life in the UK Test is a part of the application for British citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (also called settlement) in the United Kingdom under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

Find detailed and authentic information here about everything you need to know about settlement and becoming a British citizen.

Firstly you need to confirm if you need to give the Life in the UK Test.

This checklist provides different situations. If your situation is met by one of those on this list then you are required to give the test.

Exemptions

You are exempted from giving the test if you

are less than 18 years or over 65 years of age
have a long-term physical or mental condition

Use this form, requesting a waiver in giving the life in the UK test. This form must be filled out by a qualified medical professional on behalf of applicants applying for settlement or naturalisation as British citizens.

Booking Life in the UK Test

This depends upon the amount of time you have for preparing for the test and the kind of learner you are. Ideally, you should book at least 1 month in advance and dedicate that 1 month to preparing.

You must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance.

This is the only official government service for booking the Life in the UK Test. Use this link to book your Life in the UK test.

Documents needed for booking

The following three things are required to book your test.

Email address
Debit or credit card
An accepted form of ID (this can be a valid passport, a valid travel document with a photo, a biometric residence permit or a biometric residence card).

The test fee

The test costs £50.

Additional £12.99 if you buy the Official Guide to New Residents Book.

Another way is to prepare from a mobile app. There are a number of apps available in both Apple App Store and Google Play store. Some apps available in the stores are free, but we would strongly advise against using them. These free apps are loaded with ads and are huge time wasters.

You should go for the app that is worth its value. On average a decent app costs somewhere between £4 - £6. While purchasing the app, make sure it has enough practice questions and unlimited mock tests. So you can gain confidence as you practice.

The test centre

At the time of booking, you can choose where you want to take your test, depending upon your location and convenience.

There are 30 centres across the UK where you can give your test.

Preparation

How long does one need to study for life in the UK test?

It depends upon a lot of factors. For example how much time you get every day to practice, what kind of a learner you are, and how much you already know about the traditions, values and history of the United Kingdom.

The first choice should always be to read the official handbook. But sometimes, reading a book gets dull and tiresome (and boring).

Compared to reading the book, there is another solution in the form of mobile apps. Depending upon which app you are using. Some apps are so smart that they have a way to record the questions you have trouble answering. A book cannot do that.

There are plenty of apps in the app stores (both apple and android) that can do that for you. Choose the one that identifies your problem areas and helps you overcome those. The best app would be the one that would not require you to read the book at all

Preparing with Life in the UK test handBook

Reading from the official handbook is the most reliable way to pass the test. If you manage to read the whole book and learn all the facts just by reading then no doubt you are going to pass on your first attempt.

However, for a great number of people, reading a book can get overwhelming. There are too many facts, figures and dates to remember. Also reading a book gets monotonous and tiresome.

Preparing from a mobile app

If you choose the right app, you will be able to prepare in less time as compared to preparing from the handbook.

When choosing a mobile app, you must make sure that it covers the entire handbook. This is easily determined by the number of practice questions in the app. The more the questions, the more chance there is that it covers the handbook.

Also, choose an app with a maximum or unlimited number of tests. This will help you gain confidence as you go.

Thirdly, make sure that the app uses a visual representation of information that includes dates, facts, years, events etc. This makes learning easy and fun.

All about the test

Test structure

The test consists of questions covering topics such as British values, history, traditions and everyday life, compiled from The Official Life in the United Kingdom - A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition) handbook.

The test lasts for 45 minutes, during which time the candidate is required to answer 24 multiple-choice questions. To pass the test, the candidate must receive a grade of 75% or higher, i.e. at least 18 correct answers to the 24 questions.

Passing rate

The passing rate after the introduction of new study material of The Official Life in the United Kingdom - A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition) handbook is an average of 70%.

Before the test

When you reach the test centre, you will be required to keep all your belongings (including your mobile phone, handbag and coat) in a locker. You will then be taken to a room where your ID is checked. 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 will not be able to take the test and you will not get a refund if you do not bring the correct ID or if you refuse to have your photo taken.

You will then be taken to the test room.

During the test

In the test room, you may find other candidates giving tests as well. Each candidate is given a different test so there is no chance of any unfair practice.

When the tests start, you will be given a few practice questions (don’t worry if you get them wrong, they will not affect your final score). These questions are given to make sure that you understand the procedure and get familiar with the testing software.

After the test

Upon completion of the test, successful candidates will be informed that they have passed and will be given a Pass Notification Letter that they will have to sign. the Pass Notification letter contains a ‘unique reference number’. This number will be needed to complete your citizenship or settlement application. The Home Office will check through this reference number that you’ve passed.

Unsuccessful candidates will learn the topics that they should study further.

If you fail the test

You must wait at least 7 days before taking the test again. You can take the test as many times as you need to. However, you will need to book the test and pay again each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Following are the answer to some most commonly asked questions. If you don’t find what you are looking for, please feel free to ask using our Contact us page. You can also ask if you need any further explanations.

These questions are answered by the experts who have taken part in compiling the Life in the UK Handbook so their advice is authentic and accurate.

The Questions are in the order of most commonly asked to less frequently asked.

How to book the Life in the UK test?

This is the only one official government service for booking the Life in the UK Test.

https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test

Before you book the test, make sure you have the following handy:

your email address
a debit or credit card
an accepted form of ID (this can be a valid passport, a valid travel document with a photo, a biometric residence permit or a biometric residence card)

Also: You must bring the same ID to the test centre, that you used to book the test. Your photo will also be taken on the day to confirm your ID.

How to check my Life in the UK test result?

The test results are announced right after the test. Once you finish your test, you will be required to wait for a short time while your results are printed. You will then be given your certificate with a unique reference number and a “pass” stamp.

You must score 75% or more to pass the test.

How to pass the Life in the UK test?

Practice. The more you practice, the more chances you have to pass your test. However, you have several options for practice to choose from.

The best one would be to read The Official Life in the United Kingdom - A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition) handbook. But keep in mind that the book is quite detailed. Retaining all the information in your head can be challenging and time-consuming. It also gets monotonous.

Your next best option is to prepare from a mobile app. This will be much easier and it will provide you with more flexibility. Sometimes it’s difficult to carry a book at all times, whereas your mobile phone is with you every time you go out. Also, many mobile apps come with practice questions. This is a smart way of learning. Rather than having you read the whole book, the practice questions help you focus on useful information.

But, be wary of the fact that not all mobile apps do what they promise.

Also, choose an app with a maximum or unlimited number of tests. This will help you gain confidence as you go.

Thirdly, make sure that the app uses a visual representation of information that includes dates, facts, years, events etc. This makes learning easy and fun.

How long is the Life in the UK test valid for?

The life in the UK test has no expiry date. So when you are planning to apply for settlement in the UK, you should start preparing a couple of months before your application. You can use the same result for any British immigration or citizenship application.

You must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance

How many questions are there in Life in the UK test?

The Life in the UK Test lasts for 45 minutes. During this time you will be asked 24 questions. You must answer 18 questions correctly to pass. 45 minutes is a long period so at the time of the test, revisit the questions and check your answers.

Who is exempt from taking the Life in the UK test?

You are exempted from giving the test if you

are less than 18 years or over 65 years of age
have a long-term physical or mental condition

Use this form, requesting a waiver in giving the life in the UK test. This form must be filled by a qualified medical professional on behalf of applicants applying for settlement or naturalisation as British citizens.

What is the life in the UK test?

The Life in the United Kingdom test is aimed to prove that the person, who will be applying for settlement or nationality in the UK, has sufficient knowledge of British life. This test includes topics such as British values, history, traditions and everyday life. The test is compiled from the official handbook The Official Life in the United Kingdom - A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition) handbook.

Go here to book your life in the UK test

How much is life in the UK test?

Life in the UK test costs £50. You must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance.

In case you fail, you would need to wait at least 7 days to book your next test. You can take the retest as many times as required. However, you need to book and pay the fee every time.

Where are the life in the UK test centres?

There are over 30 test centres in the UK. When you book online, you will have a choice to select the test centre most convenient to you. you can book here

How long to study for life in the UK test?

The first choice should always be to read the official handbook. But sometimes, reading a book gets dull and tiresome (and boring).

When to take the life in the UK test?

The Life in the UK Test is a mandatory requirement when you apply for permanent residence in the United Kingdom – also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement.

Book the test any time you feel confident as it remains valid for your life. Bear in mind that you must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance

How hard is life in the UK test?

According to some people, if a British native gives the Life in the UK Test, chances are that they will fail. So, no matter how long you‘ve been living in the UK, you must study as you do for any other exam.

The good part is that the test is not too long and you have to select your answer from multiple-choice options.

If you have practised enough, the test will be easier. So if you are practising from the book, read it all. If you are practising from a mobile app, make sure that it covers all the content from the official Life in the UK handbook.

What to do after passing the life in the UK test?

Once you pass the life in the UK test, you will be ready to submit your British settlement or citizenship application, provided the fact that you are eligible to apply.

After passing the life in the UK test what next?

Once you pass, you will get a certificate with a Unique reference number that you can enter in your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or permanent residency or Citizenship application. Passing the life in the UK test is a requirement for these applications.

What happens before the test?

Following is what happens at the test centre before the test.

As you enter the test centre, you will be required to keep all your belongings (including, your mobile phone, handbag and coat) in a locker. The key will be handed to you
You will then be taken to a room where your ID is checked (It’s important you must bring the same ID that you used to book the test).
Your photo is then taken to confirm your ID.
You will not be able to take the test and you will not get a refund if you do not bring the correct ID or if you refuse to have your photo taken.
You will then be taken to the test room.

What happens during the test?

This is what happens at the time of your test.

The test room will have workstations with dividers on both sides.
Tests given to all candidates are different so there is no chance of any unfair practice.
When the test begins, you will be given a few practice questions (don’t worry if you get them wrong, they will not affect your final scores). These questions are given to make sure that you understand the process and get familiar with the testing software.
Once your test starts, make sure you read the questions carefully before answering them.
You will be allowed to revisit the questions and change your answers within the test time, which is 45 minutes.
Some candidates are able to finish the test in less than half of this time.

What happens if you fail the life in the UK test?

If you fail the Life in the UK test, you need to -

Wait for at least 7 days
Book your test again using the official booking page - you will also need to pay the test fee again.
Re-take the test. You can do this as many times as it takes for you to pass.

Free Tests

To familiarize you with the test process and questions, we have carefully compiled a set of 10 free mock tests. These tests are created in the exact pattern of the real tests. The receding time bar at the bottom of the test will tell you the remaining time.

These tests are completely free. Passing them should be your greatest confidence booster. However, we recommended that, before you give the test, your must prepare from this app.

Alternately, you can give these tests first and mark your weak areas, so that while you practice, you can focus on those areas specifically.

Life in the UK Test