How many questions are on the Life in the UK Test and what is the pass mark?

There are 24 questions and you have 45 minutes. You must score at least 75% to pass, which means getting 18 or more correct out of 24.

How much does the Life in the UK Test cost?

The test costs £50. If you fail, you can book and pay again to retake it, waiting at least 7 days between attempts.

How do I book the test?

You book online on gov.uk, at least 3 days in advance. There are over 30 test centres in the UK, and you choose where to sit it when you book. Bring the right ID on the day.

Settlement (ILR)·5 min read

The Life in the UK Test: Format, Booking and How to Prepare

Published 23 July 2026

The Life in the UK Test is a requirement for most people applying for settlement (ILR) or British citizenship. It checks your knowledge of British traditions, history and everyday life. The good news: with preparation it is very passable. This guide explains the format and how to get ready. For where it fits in the wider settlement rules, see our ILR overview.

The format

24 questions about life in the UK.
45 minutes to answer them.
Pass mark: 75%, which means 18 or more correct out of 24.
Questions are multiple choice, taken on a computer at a test centre.

You are only tested on the official handbook, the Guide for New Residents. Nothing outside it can come up, which is why focused preparation works so well.

The fee and booking

The test costs £50.
You book online on gov.uk, at least 3 days in advance.
There are over 30 test centres; you choose your location when booking.
If you do not pass, you can rebook and pay again, waiting at least 7 days between attempts.

How to prepare

Study the official handbook thoroughly. Everything in the test comes from it.
Do practice questions repeatedly until you consistently score well above 75%. Practice tests show you the question style and reveal weak topics.
Focus on facts that repeat — dates, institutions, traditions and how things work day to day.
Study in your own language if English is hard for you. Understanding the material matters more than the language it is written in.

On the day

Bring the correct identification and your booking confirmation. Arrive early. The test itself is short, and if you have prepared well, 45 minutes is plenty of time.

Passing the Life in the UK Test is one requirement you clear once and reuse for both settlement and citizenship. Preparing properly is one of the simplest wins on your journey.