Life in the UK Test 2024

When applying for settlement or British citizenship, an essential requirement is to clear the Life in the UK test. This test is essential to help you know the country you are moving to stay in and get familiar with places and history.

While it may seem that one could quickly pass it, one should not take the Life in the UK test casually. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure you are thoroughly prepared for the test.

Book the test

The official UK government website (https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test) is authorised to book for Life in the UK test as a mandatory part of your visa application for British citizenship or settlement. The test is online via computer-based setup in multiple-choice questions format.

There are approximately 30 centres in the UK where this test can take place.

It would be best if you had the following to book a test:

1. Personal ID
2. Valid email address
3. Debit or credit card

You can show the following IDs

1. Biometric residence permit or biometric residence card

These 2 identity cards are standalone and are not affixed with any document. They must be up to date.

2. A valid passport

Outdated passports are not accepted as your identity document. One must show the hardcopy and not scanned document of the same.

3. A valid travel document with a photograph (you cannot use an emergency travel document)

4. European union identity card.

It should be up to date; else they will reject the identity proof.

One must note that the name on your ID must match the name in the test booklet; otherwise, you will not be permitted to sit for the test.

Proof of the postcode 

1. council tax bill
2. gas/electricity/water bill
3. bank or credit card statement
4. UK photocard driving license
5. A certified letter from the Home Office with your name and address on it

The proof of the postcode must be an original document and should not be older than 3 months.

The cost of this test

The cost of Life in the UK test is £50. The test must be booked at least 3 days beforehand via the official UK government website.

Who can apply for the Life in the UK test?

Any foreign national seeking British citizenship or settlement in the UK and is above 18 but below 65 can easily sit for Life in the UK test.

Restrictions for this test

You cannot take the Life in the UK test, if:

1. You are under 18 years of age
2. You are 65 years old or above
3. You have cleared this test once before – for example; If you are applying to become a British citizen and have already passed it as part of your settlement application, you will be exempted from giving this test again.
4. You have a long-term physical or mental condition – you must provide either a letter or a form from an authorised doctor stating the reason. 

Preparation for the test

There are 24 multiple choice questions in the British Citizenship Test that you need to answer. To pass this British Citizenship test you must secure 75% or more, which means at least 18 out of 24 multiple choice questions must be correctly answered.

The question asked based on the official handbook to pass the Life in the UK test. One must prepare well to pass the exam.  

What happens in the test

There are 45 minutes given to complete 24 multiple-choice questions.

One should not bring any children or dependant to the test centre. 

One must take the same ID to the test centre with which one has made the booking. 

Your photo will be taken at the test centre also to confirm your ID. It may be noted, refusing to have your photo taken could lead to your test suspension with no refunds.

Passing the Life in the UK test

You must secure at least 75% to pass the Life in the UK test. 

Once you pass the test, You will get a ‘unique reference number’. With this number, you can complete your citizenship or settlement application. The Home Office will refer it to see that you have passed.

If you have taken the test before 17 December 2019, you must have received a letter with a ‘test reference ID’ instead of a unique reference number.

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

In case you fail the test

You must wait for 7 days before applying for the test again. The test can be taken as many times as you need to. Each time one needs to make a fresh booking and pay for the test.

How to make cancellations and seek a refund

1. You can cancel your test if you don’t wish to sit for it
2. Cancellation can be made anytime before the test.
3. If you seek a refund, then the cancellation must take place at least 72 hours (3 days) before the test.
4. Refund won’t take place if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days of your test date.

Steps to cancel the Life in the UK test

1. Log in to your Life in the UK test account
2. Click on ‘Confirmed tests’
3. Select the ‘cancel test’ option

Seeking refund

1. If you are eligible for a refund, £50 will get refunded to the same account you initiated the payment.
2. Once you get a refund, you can book another test.
3. You have full right to seek a refund for the test if the centre cancels the test.
4. You are not eligible to ask for a refund for any other reason; for example, if you brought the wrong ID, you were ill and missed your test, you reached late at the centre, you did not bring the correct documents, or you refused to have your photo taken.
5. You must ask for a refund within 3 months of the test date, if applicable. 
6. The fee will be refunded to the account you used to book the test. 

Make a complaint

If you wish to make a complaint regarding the Life in the UK test for some reason, then one must make a complaint within 3 months of the test date. 

The complaint is addressed to PSI at [email protected].

It generally takes up to 10 working days to get a response.