Prepare for the Life in the UK Test

The Life in the UK test has 24 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes to complete the test and need to score at least 75% (18 out of 24) to pass.

The Life in the UK test costs £50. You book it online at the official government website. If you fail, you must pay the full fee again to rebook.

If you fail, you can rebook and take the test again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you must wait at least 7 days before your next attempt and pay the fee each time.

The test covers British values, history, traditions and culture, government and politics, and everyday life in the UK. All questions are based on the official handbook.

No, the official test is only available in English. However, our practice site offers translations alongside the English text to help you study if English is not your first language.

Yes. Passing the Life in the UK test is a mandatory requirement for applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. You must pass the test before submitting your ILR application. Many applicants choose to hire an immigration solicitor in the UK to guide them through the ILR process and ensure all requirements — including the Life in the UK test — are met before filing. If you are unsure about your eligibility, seeking visa application legal assistance from a qualified immigration lawyer can help avoid costly mistakes.

The Life in the UK test is not required for the initial Skilled Worker Visa application. However, if you later want to apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you will need to pass it. Many Skilled Worker Visa holders begin preparing early. If you need guidance on the settlement timeline or switching visa categories, an experienced immigration solicitor can provide tailored advice on your pathway from a Skilled Worker Visa to permanent residency.

You do not need the Life in the UK test for the initial Spouse Visa (partner visa) application. But you will need to pass it when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain after your probationary period. The spouse visa route to settlement can be complex — especially around financial requirements and English language evidence. Getting spouse visa legal advice from an immigration lawyer early in the process helps ensure your application is on track for settlement. Many people seek visa application legal assistance to avoid delays or refusals.

While you can apply for most UK visas yourself, many applicants choose to hire an immigration lawyer or immigration solicitor in the UK for peace of mind — particularly for complex cases such as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Spouse Visas, Skilled Worker Visas, or British citizenship applications. A qualified solicitor can review your documents, advise on eligibility, and handle the application on your behalf. This is especially valuable if you have a complicated immigration history or need to meet tight deadlines. Always ensure your solicitor is registered with the OISC or is a practising SRA-regulated solicitor.

To apply for British citizenship (naturalisation), you must pass the Life in the UK test and meet an English language requirement. You also need to have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least 12 months and meet residency requirements. The citizenship application process involves detailed paperwork and strict eligibility criteria. Many applicants seek immigration solicitor advice to ensure their naturalisation application is complete and accurate. A qualified immigration lawyer can also assist with related processes such as applying for a British passport after citizenship is granted.