Free Life in the UK Test practice test (24 questions)
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Question 1Which TWO of these are fundamental British values? Select TWO answers.
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Answer: B and C — The rule of law / Individual liberty.
The fundamental British values are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Nobody is required to support a party or to worship.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 1 'The values and principles of the UK' (British values) (source)
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Question 2Is the following statement true or false? The freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law in the UK.
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Answer: A — True.
True. Freedom of belief is protected in law, and people with different faiths or beliefs, or none, should be accepted and tolerated.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 1 'The values and principles of the UK' (British values) (source)
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Question 3Which TWO things must most applicants for settlement or citizenship show? Select TWO answers.
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Answer: B and D — Knowledge of life in the UK / Knowledge of the English language.
The knowledge of language and life requirement has two parts: knowledge of English and knowledge of life in the UK, usually shown by passing the Life in the UK Test. Some people are exempt.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 1 'The values and principles of the UK' (Becoming a citizen or permanent resident) (source)
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Question 4How many questions are there in the Life in the UK Test?
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Answer: B — 24.
You have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions based on the Life in the UK handbook.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 1 'The values and principles of the UK' (Taking the Life in the UK test) (source)
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Question 5Which countries make up the United Kingdom?
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Answer: D — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The UK is made up of England, Scotland and Wales on the island of Great Britain, plus Northern Ireland in the north of the island of Ireland.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 2 'What is the UK?' (The countries of the UK) (source)
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Question 6Is the following statement true or false? Northern Ireland is part of Great Britain.
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Answer: B — False.
False. Great Britain is England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom but not of Great Britain.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 2 'What is the UK?' (The countries of the UK) (source)
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Question 7Which TWO of these are Crown dependencies, closely linked to the UK but not part of it? Select TWO answers.
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Answer: A and B — The Isle of Man / Jersey.
The Crown dependencies are the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The Falkland Islands and Gibraltar are British overseas territories.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 2 'What is the UK?' (Crown dependencies) (source)
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Question 8Which of these is a British overseas territory?
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Answer: B — The Falkland Islands.
The Falkland Islands are one of the British overseas territories. The Isle of Man and Jersey are Crown dependencies, and Anglesey is part of Wales.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 2 'What is the UK?' (British overseas territories) (source)
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Question 9In which English county is Stonehenge?
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Answer: B — Wiltshire.
Stonehenge stands in Wiltshire. Its stone circle dates from about 2500 BC, in the late Stone Age (Neolithic).
Checked against: Handbook ch. 3 'A long and illustrious history' (Early Britain) (source)
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Question 10In which year did William, Duke of Normandy, defeat King Harold at the Battle of Hastings?
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Answer: C — 1066.
The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066. Harold was killed and William became king of England.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 3 'A long and illustrious history' (The Norman Conquest) (source)
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Question 11Which battle in 1485 ended the Wars of the Roses?
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Answer: C — The Battle of Bosworth Field.
At Bosworth Field in 1485 Henry Tudor defeated and killed Richard III, ending the Wars of the Roses and beginning the Tudor dynasty.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 3 'A long and illustrious history' (The Wars of the Roses) (source)
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Question 12In 1707 the Act of Union joined England and Wales with which country to form the Kingdom of Great Britain?
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Answer: C — Scotland.
The union of 1707 created a single Parliament at Westminster for England (with Wales) and Scotland.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 3 'A long and illustrious history' (The Glorious Revolution and union) (source)
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Question 13In 1918, which women were given the right to vote?
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Answer: A — Women over the age of 30.
The Representation of the People Act 1918 gave the vote to women over 30. Women won the vote on the same terms as men, at 21, in 1928.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 3 'A long and illustrious history' (Votes for women) (source)
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Question 14Who became Prime Minister in May 1940 and led Britain through the Second World War?
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Answer: A — Winston Churchill.
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister on 10 May 1940 and led Britain through Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz to victory.
Checked against: Handbook ch. 3 'A long and illustrious history' (The Second World War) (source)
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Question 15Which patron saint's day is an official bank holiday in Scotland?
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Answer: D — St Andrew's Day.
St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and St Andrew's Day (30 November) appears on the official list of Scottish bank holidays. St Patrick's Day is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland, not Scotland.
Checked against: GOV.UK, UK bank holidays (source)
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Question 16True or false? Wimbledon, played at the All England Club in London, is the oldest of the four major (Grand Slam) tennis tournaments.
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Answer: A — True.
True. The first Wimbledon championship was held in 1877 on the lawns of the All England Club, and it is the oldest of the four Grand Slam events.
Checked against: Britannica, Wimbledon Championships (source)
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Question 17Which architect designed St Paul's Cathedral in London after the Great Fire of 1666?
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Answer: C — Christopher Wren.
Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to rebuild St Paul's after the old cathedral was ruined in the Great Fire of London. Charles Barry designed the Houses of Parliament, and Lutyens is known for the Cenotaph.
Checked against: Britannica, Christopher Wren (source)
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Question 18Which TWO of these are famous landmarks in Northern Ireland and Scotland respectively? Select TWO answers.
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Answer: A and C — The Giant's Causeway / Edinburgh Castle.
The Giant's Causeway is on the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland, and Edinburgh Castle stands above Scotland's capital. The Eden Project is in Cornwall and the London Eye is in London, both in England.
Checked against: National Trust, Giant's Causeway (source)
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Question 19What happens in the UK on Remembrance Day, 11 November?
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Answer: D — People remember those who died fighting for the UK and its allies, often wearing poppies.
Remembrance Day marks the end of the First World War on 11 November 1918 and honours those who died in wars. Many people wear red poppies and keep a two-minute silence. Bonfires and fireworks belong to 5 November.
Checked against: Britannica, Remembrance Sunday (source)
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Question 20Who is the head of state of the United Kingdom?
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Answer: C — The monarch.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy: the King or Queen is head of state, while elected Parliament makes the laws and the Prime Minister leads the government.
Checked against: The Royal Family, The role of the Monarchy (source)
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Question 21True or false? A general election for the UK Parliament must be held at least every five years.
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Answer: A — True.
True. A Parliament lasts at most five years; if it has not been dissolved earlier it is dissolved automatically and a general election follows.
Checked against: legislation.gov.uk, Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022 (source)
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Question 22How many people sit on a jury in a criminal trial in Scotland?
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Answer: D — 15.
Scottish criminal juries have 15 members. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland a criminal jury has 12 people.
Checked against: Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, How balloting for jurors works (source)
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Question 23Which of these statements about forced marriage is correct?
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Answer: A — Forced marriage is a criminal offence in the UK, and a court can make an order to protect someone at risk..
A marriage must be entered into freely by both people. Forcing someone to marry is a crime, and courts can issue forced marriage protection orders, for example ordering a passport to be handed over.
Checked against: GOV.UK, Forced marriage (source)
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Question 24Which TWO things does National Insurance help to pay for? Select TWO answers.
Show the answer
Answer: B and D — The State Pension / Entitlement to certain state benefits.
People pay National Insurance to qualify for certain state benefits and the State Pension. It does not pay private school fees or road tolls.
Checked against: GOV.UK, National Insurance (source)
Official passing standard: 75% or more (at least 18 of the 24 questions).
Want more? The Practice Pack for the Life in the UK Test has more practice tests in the same format, with every answer explained.
Life in the UK Test format
| Life in the UK Test | Official rule |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 24 multiple-choice questions on a computer; you are told whether you passed or failed on the day source |
| Time allowed | 45 minutes source |
| Pass mark | 75% or more (at least 18 correct out of 24) source |
| Fee | £50, paid by debit or credit card when you book source |
| How to book | Online only, through the official GOV.UK booking service, at least 3 days in advance. There are over 30 test centres in the UK. source |
| ID for booking and on the day | An eVisa share code, or a valid passport, EU/EEA/Swiss ID card, travel document with a photo, or BRP/BRC within the stated limits. Bring the same original ID on the day; your photo is also taken. source |
| If you fail | You can rebook as many times as you need, paying the fee each time. GOV.UK does not state a minimum waiting period between attempts. source |
| Who needs it | Most people applying for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) or British citizenship source |
| Exemptions | Under 18, aged 65 or over, already passed the test, or a long-term physical or mental condition (exemption form or doctor's letter) source |
| Languages | English; the test can be taken in Welsh at a centre in Wales, or in Scottish Gaelic in Scotland source |
| Official study book | Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition (TSO, ISBN 9780113413409, first published 28 January 2013); book, eBook or audio source |
| Cancellation and refund | Full refund if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test; no refund within 3 days, or if you bring the wrong ID, are late or ill source |
| Special arrangements | You can make special requests when you book, for example extra equipment or help accessing the centre if you have a disability source |
| Proof of passing | A unique reference number (URN), which you enter in your settlement or citizenship application source |
Checked on the official sources on September 30, 2026. Rules change: always confirm on the official site before test day.
Practice by chapter
Values and principles of the UK: practice questions
12 free questions with explanations
What is the UK? Practice questions
12 free questions with explanations
Life in the UK history practice questions
12 free questions with explanations
A modern, thriving society: practice questions
12 free questions with explanations
Government, the law and your role: practice questions
12 free questions with explanations
What the Life in the UK Test is
The Life in the UK Test is a Home Office test of your knowledge of British traditions, customs, history and government. Most people need to pass it as part of an application for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) or British citizenship (GOV.UK). It is one half of the "knowledge of language and life" requirement; the other half is showing your English, for example with a speaking and listening qualification at level B1.
Every question is based on one book: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. GOV.UK is explicit that you are only tested on information from the official handbook, so that book is your syllabus.
Who needs to take it, and who does not
You do not need to take the test if you (GOV.UK):
- are under 18
- are 65 or over
- have already passed it, for example for your settlement application before applying for citizenship
- have a long-term physical or mental condition, supported by an exemption form or a doctor's letter
Format and pass mark
| Questions | 24 multiple-choice questions, on a computer |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 75% or more, which means at least 18 correct answers out of 24 |
| Result | Given on the day |
| Fee | £50 |
The test is not split into sections. Questions can come from any of the handbook's five chapters:
- The values and principles of the UK
- What is the UK?
- A long and illustrious history
- A modern, thriving society
- The UK government, the law and your role
The test is in English, but Home Office guidance says you can take it in Welsh at a test centre in Wales, or in Scottish Gaelic in Scotland.
Booking, fee and ID
Book only through the official GOV.UK booking service, which GOV.UK describes as the only official government service for booking the test. You must book online at least 3 days in advance and pay £50 by debit or credit card. There are over 30 test centres in the UK, and you choose one when you book.
To book you need an email address, a card and an accepted form of ID (GOV.UK):
- if you have an eVisa, a share code from your UKVI account
- otherwise a valid passport, a valid ID card from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, a valid travel document with a photo (not an emergency travel document), or a biometric residence permit or card within the time limits GOV.UK sets out
The name on your booking must exactly match the name on your ID. If you have a disability, you can make special requests when you book, such as extra equipment or help getting into the centre. If you have changed gender, email the Home Office before booking if you do not want staff to see your previous gender (GOV.UK).
On the day
Bring the same ID you used to book, and it must be the original, not a copy or a screenshot. Your photo is taken to confirm your identity. If you do not bring the right ID, or refuse the photo, you cannot sit the test and you get no refund. You cannot bring children or other family members into the centre (GOV.UK).
If you pass, you get a unique reference number. You enter it in your settlement or citizenship application, and the Home Office uses it to check your result (GOV.UK).
Cancelling, refunds and retakes
You get the £50 back if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test. There is no refund if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days, or if you were late, ill or brought the wrong documents. If the test centre cancels, you can ask for a refund within 3 months.
If you fail, you can rebook as many times as you need, paying the fee each time. GOV.UK does not set a waiting period between attempts.
Is the test changing?
The government said in its May 2025 immigration white paper that it would "conduct a refresh of the Life in the UK test and how it operates". Its 2026 command paper Protecting What Matters also commits to "refresh the content of the Life in the UK test".
As of 30 September 2026, no new test or handbook has been published. The GOV.UK test page still describes 24 questions in 45 minutes, a 75% pass mark and a £50 fee, based on the Guide for New Residents. The official shop still sells the third edition. Check GOV.UK before you book in case this changes.
The official study materials
GOV.UK sends you to the official Life in the UK shop, run by TSO, the publisher. GOV.UK does not publish the handbook itself; it is sold as a book, eBook or audio. The official range is:
- Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition (ISBN 9780113413409), as a book, eBook or audio. This is the only material you are tested on. It has no practice questions.
- Official Study Guide, which helps you work through the handbook.
- Official Practice Questions and Answers, as a book or an app.
- An official e-learning subscription that combines the learning material and practice questions.
Buy these from the official shop or a trusted bookseller, and be wary of sites that claim to have the questions used in the test.
How to prepare
- Read the whole handbook, not just summaries. Questions can come from any chapter. The history and "modern society" chapters are long and full of names and dates.
- Make your own notes of dates and names. Many questions ask when something happened or who did something, for example Magna Carta, the Act of Union or the start of the NHS.
- Know the difference between similar terms: Great Britain and the United Kingdom, Crown dependencies and overseas territories, the four patron saints and their days.
- Practise under test conditions. Answer 24 questions in 45 minutes and aim well above 18. Practice questions help you remember and pace yourself, but they only help if they stay within the handbook.
- Read each question carefully. Some ask you to choose one answer, some are true or false, some ask for two answers, and some ask which of two statements is correct.
- Sort out the practical details early: your ID, the exact name match, and getting to a centre you can reach.
Our practice questions are original questions written from the topics of the official handbook, with each fact checked against public sources such as GOV.UK. They are not the Home Office's questions, and they do not replace reading the handbook itself.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions do I need to get right to pass?
You must score 75% or more. The test has 24 questions, so that means at least 18 correct answers. Source
What happens if I fail the Life in the UK Test?
You can rebook the test as many times as you need, but you have to pay the £50 fee each time. The GOV.UK guidance does not set a waiting period between attempts. Source
Do I need to take the test if I am 65 or older?
No. You do not need to take it if you are under 18 or 65 or over, if you have passed it before, or if you have a long-term physical or mental condition supported by an exemption form or a doctor's letter. Source
What will the questions be about?
You are only tested on information from the official Guide for New Residents (Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents). GOV.UK describes the test as 24 questions about British traditions and customs. Source
What must I bring on the day?
The same original ID you used to book the test (not a copy or a screenshot). Your photo is taken to confirm your identity. You cannot take the test, and you will not get a refund, without the correct ID or if you refuse the photo. You cannot bring children or other family members to the centre. Source
Can I take the test in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic?
Yes. Home Office guidance says you can take the test in Welsh at a test centre in Wales, or in Scottish Gaelic if you take it in Scotland. Source
Is the Life in the UK Test changing?
The government said in its May 2025 immigration white paper that it would refresh the Life in the UK Test and how it operates, and its 2026 command paper 'Protecting What Matters' plans to refresh the test content. As of 30 September 2026, GOV.UK still describes the current test (24 questions, 45 minutes, 75% pass mark, £50) based on the Guide for New Residents, and no new edition of the handbook has been published. Source
Can I get a refund if I cannot attend?
Yes, if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test the £50 is refunded to your card. You get no refund if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days. Source
Sources
- GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test (booking, what happens at the test, cancellations and refunds; page updated 24 September 2026) — Home Office / GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition (official handbook; TSO, ISBN 9780113413409) — TSO (The Stationery Office) for the Home Office (checked September 30, 2026)
- Official Life in the UK shop: handbook, Official Study Guide, Official Practice Questions and Answers, e-learning — TSO (The Stationery Office) (checked September 30, 2026)
- Knowledge of language and life in the UK: caseworker guidance, version 31.0 (published 18 December 2025) — Home Office (checked September 30, 2026)
- Life in the UK Test exemption: long-term physical or mental condition — Home Office / GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- Restoring control over the immigration system: white paper (May 2025) — Home Office / GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- Protecting What Matters: Towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom (command paper, updated 28 April 2026) — HM Government / GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- GOV.UK: Citizenship ceremonies — Home Office / GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- GOV.UK: Guidance on promoting British values in schools published (27 November 2014) — Department for Education (checked September 30, 2026)
- GOV.UK: Discrimination: your rights (Equality Act 2010) — GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man — Ministry of Justice / GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- United Kingdom Overseas Territories: toponymic information paper (2026) — Permanent Committee on Geographical Names / GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- GOV.UK: Past Prime Ministers — Prime Minister's Office / GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- GOV.UK: The Belfast Agreement — Northern Ireland Office / GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- Devolution: factsheet (Scotland Act 1998, Government of Wales Act 1998, Northern Ireland Act 1998) — Cabinet Office / GOV.UK (checked September 30, 2026)
- Scottish Parliament: History of the Scottish Parliament — Scottish Parliament (checked September 30, 2026)
- The Royal Family: history of the monarchy and the Union Flag — The Royal Household (checked September 30, 2026)
- BBC History: Historic Figures (archived) — BBC (checked September 30, 2026)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Encyclopaedia Britannica (checked September 30, 2026)
- English Heritage: Story of England and site histories — English Heritage (checked September 30, 2026)
- Historic Environment Scotland: Skara Brae — Historic Environment Scotland (checked September 30, 2026)
- Cadw: The castles and town walls of Edward I — Cadw (Welsh Government) (checked September 30, 2026)
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — UNESCO (checked September 30, 2026)
- National Trust: History of Sutton Hoo — National Trust (checked September 30, 2026)
- The National Archives: Empire Windrush and Caribbean migration — The National Archives (checked September 30, 2026)
- Imperial War Museums: history articles on the First and Second World Wars — Imperial War Museums (checked September 30, 2026)
- National Army Museum: Boer War — National Army Museum (checked September 30, 2026)
The Life in the UK Test is run by the Home Office. passmock is an independent practice service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, PSI or TSO, the publisher of the official handbook. Our questions are original practice questions written from the official test description and study materials; they are not questions from the real test.