Life in the UK Test booking: how to book, step by step

Before you start: what you need

The name you type on the booking must be an exact match with the name on your ID, and the photo on your ID must look like you. A small difference in the name can stop you from sitting the test on the day.

• An email address.
• A debit or credit card to pay the £50 fee.
• An accepted form of ID: a valid passport, a valid ID card from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, a valid travel document with a photo (not an emergency travel document), or a biometric residence permit or card. If you have an eVisa, you use a share code from your UKVI account instead.

Step by step

1. Go to the official booking page from gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. It is the only official government service for booking the test, so avoid other sites that offer to book it for you.
2. Create an account with your email address.
3. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your ID.
4. Choose a test centre. There are over 30 test centres in the UK.
5. Pick a date and time at least 3 days from today.
6. Pay the £50 fee with your card and keep the confirmation email.

Who has to take the test

People applying for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) or British citizenship may need to pass the test. You do not need to take it if you are under 18, 65 or over, have already passed it, or have a long-term physical or mental condition supported by an exemption form or a doctor's letter.

What the test looks like

The test has 24 questions about British traditions, customs, history and laws. You have 45 minutes and you need 75% (18 correct answers) to pass. Every question comes from the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents.

If you fail, you have to book and pay again, so it is worth practising with full mock tests before you book.

Need help with the booking?

The Life in the UK Test Helpline answers questions about booking and ID: support@lituk.psionline.com or 0800 015 4245, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. You can also ask for special arrangements, such as access help for a disability, when you book.