Life in the UK Test 2026: Format, Fee and How to Book
The test has not changed for 2026. You answer 24 questions in 45 minutes. You need 18 right to pass.
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What the Life in the UK test is
The Life in the UK test is a test about British life. You take it if you want to become a British citizen. You also take it if you want to stay in the UK for good.
Staying for good has an official name. It is called indefinite leave to remain, or ILR for short.
All the questions come from one book. It is called Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. If a fact is not in that book, it will not be in the test.
The test format in 2026
Here is the test at a glance. These are the rules for 2026.
- Questions
- 24
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Pass mark
- 18 out of 24 (75%)
- Fee
- £50, each time you take it
- Where
- A test centre. There are over 30 in the UK.
- How
- On a computer at the centre
- Booking
- Online on GOV.UK, at least 3 days before
The questions are multiple choice. You read a question and pick your answer on the screen.
A few questions ask you to pick two answers. Read each question slowly so you know how many to choose.
Has anything changed for 2026?
No. The test in 2026 is the same as the test last year.
- The format is the same. Still 24 questions and 45 minutes.
- The pass mark is the same. Still 18 out of 24.
- The fee is the same. Still £50.
- The book is the same. There is no new edition for 2026.
So you can study the same way people studied last year. Nothing you learned has gone out of date.
Rules can change at any time. Check the official test page on GOV.UK before you book. That page is always the current one.
What the test costs
The test costs £50. You pay when you book.
You pay £50 again for every try. There is no lower price for a second try.
You can get your money back if you cancel early. You must cancel at least 3 days before your test.
See where you stand today
A free mock test takes 45 minutes and shows you which topics you need to study.
Start the free mock testHow to book the test
You book the real test on GOV.UK. No other website can book it for you.
- Go to the booking page on GOV.UK.
- Pick a day at least 3 days from now. You cannot book for tomorrow.
- Have your email address and a debit or credit card ready.
- Use the same name that is on your photo ID.
- Choose a test centre near you. There are over 30 in the UK.
We are not part of GOV.UK or the Home Office. We make practice tests. You book the real test on GOV.UK.
What happens on the day
Bring the same ID you used to book. If you forget it, you cannot sit the test. You will not get your money back.
Staff take your photo at the centre. This checks you are the right person. You cannot take the test if you say no to the photo.
Do not bring your children or your family. They cannot come in with you.
You take the test on a computer. You find out if you passed on the same day.
What happens if you do not pass
You can take the test again. GOV.UK says you can book it as many times as you need.
You pay £50 each time. That is why it pays to be ready before you book.
Look at which topics you got wrong. Study those first, not the whole book again.
How to get ready this year
Read the official book first. Then test yourself. Reading on its own is rarely enough.
Our free mock test has 24 questions and the same limit of 45 minutes. It works like the real one.
You see your score at the end. You also see why each answer was right or wrong.
- Weak on one topic? Use practice by topic to drill just that one.
- Need the facts first? Read the free study guide, chapter by chapter.
- Want to see the question style? Look at our questions and answers.
Keep going until you score well above 18. Aim for 22 or more out of 24 before you book.
Common questions
How many questions are in the Life in the UK test in 2026?
There are 24 questions and you get 45 minutes. You need 18 correct to pass, which is 75%.
How much does the Life in the UK test cost in 2026?
It costs £50. You pay that fee every time you take the test. You can get your money back if you cancel at least 3 days before.
Has the Life in the UK test changed for 2026?
No. The format, the pass mark, the fee and the study book are all the same as last year. Check GOV.UK before you book in case anything changes.
How far ahead do I need to book the test?
At least 3 days. You book online on GOV.UK and choose from over 30 test centres in the UK.
Which book do the questions come from?
Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. Every question in the test comes from that book.
Can I take the Life in the UK test again if I fail?
Yes. GOV.UK says you can rebook the test as many times as you need. You pay the £50 fee each time.
Ready to practise?
24 questions in the real format, with every answer explained. No sign-up for your first test.
Take a free mock test