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How much does the Life in the UK test cost?
You need to book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance. The cost is £50.
Where can I take the test?
There are over 30 test centres across the UK. You can choose your preferred test centre when booking.
How to book the Life in the UK test?
You will need the following information when booking:
Email address
Debit or credit card
An accepted form of ID (valid passport, travel document with photo, biometric residence permit, or biometric residence card)
The link to book your test can be found here.
Who is exempt from the Life in the UK test?
You can only be exempt from the test if you are:
Under 18
65 or over
Have a long-term physical or mental condition which prevents you from taking the test – you must have medical evidence to support your condition
Do I need to prepare for the test?
You are strongly encouraged to study for the test. You will be tested on information from the official handbook for the Life in the UK Test. The handbook is available in different formats: book, eBook, e-Learning subscription, or audio.
What do I need to bring with me to the test?
You must bring the same ID you used to book the test (valid passport, travel document with photo, biometric residence permit, or biometric residence card). A photo of you will be taken on the day to confirm your identity. If you bring a different ID, you will not be allowed to take the test or get a refund.
What happens at the test?
You will have 45 minutes to answer 24 multiple-choice questions based on the Life in the UK handbook.
What score do I need to get to pass the test?
You must answer at least 18 out of 24 questions correctly to pas
Will I receive a document proving that I passed the test?
Yes, after passing the test, you will receive a unique reference number. You will need this number to complete your citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application.
If you took the test before 17 December 2019, you will have a letter with a test reference ID instead of a unique reference number. If you have lost this letter, you will need to include a note explaining the loss when submitting your citizenship or settlement application.
Does the Life in the UK test expire?
No, the Life in the UK test does not expire. Once you have passed it, you can use the test result for future immigration applications that require it, such as applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship, regardless of your current legal status in the UK.
Life in the UK Test FAQs
Can I bring my child, or other family member with me to the centre?
At ZAR Immigration, we advise that you cannot bring your child or any other family member with you to the test centre.
What if I fail the test?
At ZAR Immigration, if you fail the Life in the UK test, you must wait 7 days before retaking it. You can attempt the test as many times as needed, but you will need to book and pay for each attempt just like the first time
Can I cancel my test if I cannot make it?
At ZAR Immigration, if you cannot make your Life in the UK test, you can cancel it. To get a refund, you must cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before your test date. Cancelling or rescheduling within 3 days means no refund.
If eligible, the £50 fee will be refunded automatically to the card used for booking — no need to contact UK Visas and Immigration.
To cancel:
Sign into your Life in the UK account
Select ‘Confirmed tests’
Choose ‘Cancel tests’
You can then book a new test for another date.
What if my test centre cancels the test?
At ZAR Immigration, if your test centre cancels your Life in the UK test, you are entitled to request a refund. However, refunds are not available for other reasons such as illness, lateness, forgetting the correct ID, or refusal to have your photo taken.
If you have any questions about your British citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications, please feel free to get in touch with us.
What if I have a disability?
At ZAR Immigration, if you have a disability, you can make special requests when booking your Life in the UK test. This may include needing extra equipment or assistance accessing the test centre.
For help with booking or to discuss your requirements, contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline:
Telephone: 0800 015 4245
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
