LumenWhat is the Life in the UK Test, how much does it cost and what score do I need to pass?
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The Life in the UK Test is the knowledge test you need for British citizenship and most settlement (ILR) applications. It costs £50, must be booked online at least 3 days ahead, and has 24 questions in 45 minutes. You pass with 75% or more. People under 18 or aged 65 and over do not need it.
Key facts
| What | The source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis (citizenship) | Naturalisation requires “sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom” | British Nationality Act 1981, Sch. 1 para 1(1)(ca) |
| Legal basis (settlement) | Pass the Life in the UK test, shown by a valid reference number | Immigration Rules, Appendix KOL UK, KOL 2.1(a) |
| Fee | £50 | GOV.UK, Book the test; Home Office fees table, 8 October 2026 |
| Booking | Online, at least 3 days in advance, with an email address, a card and accepted ID | GOV.UK, Book the test |
| Format | 24 questions in 45 minutes, based only on the official Guide for New Residents | GOV.UK, Book the test; What happens at the test |
| Pass mark | 75% or more | GOV.UK, What happens at the test |
| If you fail | Rebook as many times as you need, paying each time | GOV.UK, What happens at the test |
| Who is exempt | Under 18; 65 or over; already passed; long-term physical or mental condition (exemption form or doctor’s letter) | GOV.UK, Book the test; Appendix KOL UK, KOL 1.1 |
Why you need it
For citizenship, the British Nationality Act 1981 requires sufficient knowledge about life in the UK. For settlement, the Immigration Rules (Appendix KOL UK) say you meet the requirement by passing the Life in the UK test on the listed routes, which include Skilled Worker, Global Talent, family and long residence settlement. If you passed the test for your settlement application, GOV.UK says you do not take it again for citizenship.
Booking and the test day
The GOV.UK booking page is the only official booking service. You need an email address, a debit or credit card, and accepted ID; if you have an eVisa, you book with a share code. The name on the booking must match your ID exactly.
On the day, bring the same original ID you booked with (not a copy or screenshot). Your photo is taken to confirm your identity. If you bring the wrong ID or refuse the photo, you cannot take the test and you get no refund.
Results
You need 75% or more to pass. If you pass, you get a unique reference number, which you enter in your citizenship or settlement application so the Home Office can check the result.
Cancelling
GOV.UK says you get the £50 back if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test; cancelling or rearranging later means no refund.
Exemptions
The law lets the Home Office waive the requirement where, because of age or a physical or mental condition, it would be unreasonable to expect you to meet it (BNA 1981, Sch. 1 para 2(1)(e)). In practice, GOV.UK says you do not need the test if you are under 18, 65 or over, have passed it before, or have a long-term physical or mental condition backed by an exemption form or a doctor’s letter.
Sources
- British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 1, paras 1(1)(ca) and 2(1)(e) (revised text, legislation.gov.uk) checked 2026-10-25
- Immigration Rules Appendix KOL UK, paras KOL 1.1 and 2.1 (GOV.UK) checked 2026-10-25
- GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test, sections "Book the Life in the UK Test", "What happens at the test" and "Cancellations, refunds and complaints" (Home Office) checked 2026-10-25
- Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 October 2026 (GOV.UK) checked 2026-10-25
Change history
- : Page created
This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.