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Life in the UK test – all you need to know

You will need to pass this test when applying for settlement in the UK. It is often criticised for focusing too much on the British history and too little on aspects of real life in the country. However, if you are planning to become a British citizen, you must prepare for the test along with providing all necessary documents and fulfilling other requirements.

Are you ready to be British?

Which archaeological site is located in the Wiltshire county? What’s the name of the party in the House of Commons that is second to the majority party? Who built the Tower of London? These are all examples of the questions from the Life in the UK test. Main topics are customs, traditions, culture, religion and history of the United Kingdom. The Government publishes special guides to help you pass the test. However, the questions are becoming more challenging every year, so you are advised to take it as soon as possible.

Immigration lawyers from Imperial & Legal strongly recommend preparing yourself with the help of Life in the United Kingdom. A Guide for New Residents. It is an official handbook containing all the required material written in a simple and user-friendly way (for details click here). You can buy it online but do check that it is the latest edition. You can also test your knowledge before sitting an exam by doing the practice tests online. You should do at least 10 tests to assess how well you are prepared.

I am ready! What’s next?

First of all, book a test in one of the 30 authorised test centres and pay a £50 fee. What do you need to book it? Your email address, ID and a bank card. When booking a test over the phone please make sure your first name and surname, your passport number and address are noted down correctly. One mistake and you won’t be allowed to take the test.

Please bear in mind that if you are younger than 16 and older than 65 you are a lucky one exempt from taking the test. Everyone else must sit the test when applying for settlement. Good news is, you don’t have to take it again when applying for a British passport.

On the day of the test

We advise to free up at least 2 hours for the whole thing; ID checks will also take some time. It is a multiple-choice test with 24 questions. You are given 45 minutes which should be enough to read and understand each question before answering it. It is not always just one right answer; tick all of them if applicable. You are allowed to make 6 mistakes, i.e. you pass with 75% right answers.

You will be happy to learn that you can retake the test as many times as you need, each time 7 days after the previous attempt. If passed, you get a pass notification letter. Keep it! You will need it for your ILR and naturalisation applications.

If you have any questions regarding the Life in the UK test, you can get in touch with our immigrations lawyers.

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