January 22, 2026 · 1 min read
Life in the UK Test: Format, Pass Mark, and How to Book
By Priya Anand — Immigration caseworker, 9 years advising settlement applicants
The Life in the UK Test is a required step for most people applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship.
Test format
- 24 multiple-choice questions, drawn from the official Life in the UK handbook
- 45 minutes to complete the test
- 75% pass mark — you need at least 18 correct answers
- Taken at an approved test centre, not at home
What it covers
Questions come from four chapters of the handbook: the values and principles of the UK, what is the UK, a long and illustrious history, and a modern, thriving society. Government and the law is folded into the modern society chapter in current editions.
Booking your test
You book directly through GOV.UK, not through BritPass or any third-party app. Test fees and center locations are set by the official test provider — see our test center directory for a searchable list.
How to prepare
Consistent short sessions beat occasional long ones. Most BritPass users who pass on the first attempt studied daily for two to four weeks, using mock tests to identify weak chapters rather than re-reading the handbook cover to cover.
Related guides
How Much Does the Life in the UK Test Cost?
The Life in the UK Test costs £50 per attempt. What's included, when some slots cost more, refunds if you cancel, and what a retake costs.
How Hard Is the Life in the UK Test? An Honest Answer
Is the Life in the UK Test hard? What makes it tricky — dates, names and exact numbers — why most people pass with preparation, and how to know you're ready.
How to Book the Life in the UK Test: Documents, Dates, and Preparation
A practical guide to booking the Life in the UK Test, including what you need, how to choose a test centre, and how to prepare before test day.