Life in the UK Test

Printable version

1. Book the Life in the UK Test

This is the only official government service for booking the Life in the UK Test. You need to take the test as part of your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK.

You must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance. It costs £50.

There are over 30 test centres in the UK. You can choose where to take your test when you book.

Prepare for the test

You’ll be tested on information in the official handbook for the Life in the UK Test. You should study it to prepare for the test. The handbook is available as a book, an eBook, an e-Learning subscription or in audio formats.

You’ll have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions about British traditions and customs.

Book the test

You need all of the following to book a test:

  • email address
  • debit or credit card
  • an accepted form of ID

Start now

Accepted forms of ID

You can use one of the following as ID to book the test:

  • valid passport
  • valid travel document with a photo (you cannot use an emergency travel document)
  • biometric residence permit
  • biometric residence card

Check the ‘Identification requirements’ document to make sure the ID you have is acceptable.

Email nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk for help if you do not have any of these documents.

The name you give on your test booking must be an exact match with the name on the ID you use to book the test.

If you have a previous gender (including a different name) that you do not want the test centre staff to see or for it to show on your test result, email sensitivebookings@homeoffice.gov.uk before booking your test. They’ll tell you what you need to do.

If you have a disability

You can make special requests when you book your test, for example if you have a disability and need extra equipment or help accessing the centre.

Get help

Contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline if you need help with your booking.

Life in the UK Test Helpline
Telephone: 0800 015 4245
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Find out about call charges

When you do not need to take the test

You do not need to take the test if you:

  • are under 18
  • are 65 or over
  • have passed it before - for example, if you’re applying to become a citizen and already passed it as part of your settlement application
  • have a long-term physical or mental condition - you must provide either a form or letter from a doctor confirming your physical or mental condition

2. What happens at the test

You have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions based on the Life in the UK handbook.

You cannot bring children or other family members with you to the centre.

What to bring to your test

You must bring the same ID that you used to book the test. Your photo will also be taken on the day to confirm your ID.

You will not be able to take the test and you will not get a refund if you do not bring the correct ID or if you refuse to have your photo taken.

If you pass the test

You must score 75% or more to pass the test.

You’ll get a ‘unique reference number’. You’ll need this number to complete your citizenship or settlement application. The Home Office will use it to check that you’ve passed.

If you took your test before 17 December 2019, you’ll have a letter with a ‘test reference ID’ instead of a unique reference number.

If you have lost your letter, send a letter explaining that you have lost it with your citizenship or settlement application.

If you fail the test

You can rebook the test as many times as you need. You’ll have to pay each time.

3. Cancellations, refunds and complaints

If you’re unable to attend your test, you can rearrange it or cancel it.

You’ll get a refund if you cancel your test at least 3 days (72 hours) before you’re due to take the test. You will not get a refund if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days of your test.

Cancel your test

  1. Sign into your Life in the UK account.

  2. Select ‘Confirmed tests’.

  3. Select ‘Cancel tests’.

If you’re eligible for a refund due to cancellation, the £50 fee will be refunded to the card you used to book the test. You do not need to contact UK Visas and Immigration.

You can then book a test on another date.

Ask for a refund

You can ask for a refund if the test centre cancels the test.

You cannot ask for a refund if you:

  • brought the wrong ID
  • were ill
  • were late
  • did not bring the right documents
  • refused to have your photo taken

You must ask for a refund within 3 months of the test date. The fee will be refunded to the card you used to book the test.

Contact PSI to ask for a refund.

support@lituk.psionline.com
Telephone: 0800 015 4245
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Find out about call charges

Or write to PSI e-Assessments.

PSI e-Assessments
PO BOX 10678
Leicester
LE1 8EY

Make a complaint

Contact PSI to make a complaint.

complaints@lituk.psionline.com
Telephone: 0800 015 4245
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Find out about call charges

You’ll get a response within 10 working days.

You must make your complaint within 3 months of the test date.