Home Office exam

The Life in the UK Test

A mandatory, computer-based exam that checks applicants understand British society, history, values, culture, and governance. Passing it is a strict prerequisite for adults seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship.

Time limit
45 min
Questions
24
Pass mark
75%
18 of 24
Fee
£50
The exam Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK

A regulated milestone on the path to settlement

The Life in the UK Test was introduced by the British government so immigration applicants can show a sufficient understanding of British society, history, values, culture, and governance. It is strictly regulated by the Home Office.

You have 45 minutes to answer 24 multiple-choice questions. Those questions are drawn at random from a large database, so every applicant receives a unique paper. The test sits inside the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement. Without a pass, the Home Office will not grant permanent settlement or British nationality.

How the test is set

01

Structure and timing

45 minutes for 24 multiple-choice questions. Each paper is assembled at random, so no two candidates sit the same set.

02

The pass mark

You must score 75% or higher. That means at least 18 of the 24 questions answered correctly.

03

Who is exempt

The test is mandatory for most adults aged 18 to 65. You are exempt if you are under 18, 65 or older, or have a long-term, severely limiting physical or mental condition backed by official doctor evidence.

What you are tested on

Questions come strictly from the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. Only the core chapters are examined.

Read the visual study guide
  1. 01

    The values and principles of the UK

    Democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance, and participation in community life.

  2. 02

    The composition and geography of the UK

    The nations, cities, and geography that make up the United Kingdom.

  3. 03

    British history

    From early Britain through to modern times.

  4. 04

    Modern British culture, traditions, and a thriving society

    Customs, arts, sport, and the everyday life of the country.

  5. 05

    Government, the legal system, and your role as a citizen

    How the UK is governed, how the law works, and how residents take part.

Test day protocol

Book through the official GOV.UK booking service at least 3 days in advance. The fee is £50.

Why the test matters

It carries legal weight inside the immigration system, and it is meant to prepare new permanent residents for everyday British life.

1

The legal and immigration gateway

The test is part of the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement. A passing mark is required before the Home Office will grant permanent settlement or British nationality.

Unique Reference Number

When you pass, a URN arrives by email. You enter that code on your visa or citizenship application so caseworkers can verify the result.

Lifetime validity

The result never expires. A pass taken for Indefinite Leave to Remain is normally enough later, when you apply for British citizenship.

2

Social integration and community value

The test is intended to help new permanent residents take part in everyday British life. Studying democratic systems, local government, human rights, and the rule of law prepares applicants to vote, understand how the justice system operates, and respect fundamental British values.

3

Political context and future changes

The test remains a foundational part of immigration policy, and it is often debated. Critics argue that it asks people to memorise niche historical dates and cultural trivia rather than practical knowledge. The government has launched reviews to refresh the test so it better reflects everyday life. The framework itself is unchanged: applicants still study the current official materials.

Life in the UK test questions people ask

What is the Life in the UK test?

The Life in the UK Test is a mandatory, computer-based Home Office exam. It checks that applicants understand British society, history, values, culture, and governance. Passing it is a strict prerequisite for most adults seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship.

Where is the free Life in the UK mock test?

The free Life in the UK mock test is at https://lifeintheuktest4indians.app/home.html. It has 40 practice tests and 960 questions in the same 24-question, 75% format as the official exam.

How many questions are there, and what is the pass mark?

Each official paper has 24 multiple-choice questions and a 45-minute time limit. The pass mark is 75%, which means at least 18 of the 24 questions answered correctly. Questions are drawn at random, so every applicant receives a unique paper.

Who must take the Life in the UK test?

The test is mandatory for most adults aged 18 to 65 who are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship. You are exempt if you are under 18, 65 or older, or have a long-term, severely limiting physical or mental condition backed by official doctor evidence.

How much does the official test cost, and how do you book it?

The official fee is £50. Book through the GOV.UK Life in the UK Test service at least 3 days before the sitting: https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. This website is free practice only. It is not the Home Office booking service.

40 tests · 960 questions

Practise before you book

Work through the British Citizenship Quest in the same 24-question, 75% format as the official exam. When you are ready, book the real test on GOV.UK.