Life in the UK test practice 2026: 447 free questions
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Prepare for the Life in the UK test with 447 original practice questions covering every chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents: British values, history from the Stone Age to today, modern society, and the government and the law. Practice is free; when you are ready, take timed mock exams in the official format: 24 questions, 45 minutes, pass with 18 (75%).
- 447 practice questions
- 24 questions · 45 min
- Pass with 18 of 24 (75%)
- Every handbook chapter
- Free practice
What the Life in the UK test looks like
You may need the Life in the UK test to apply for British citizenship or settlement (indefinite leave to remain). It is a computer test at an official test centre.
| Official format | What gov.uk says |
|---|---|
| Questions | 24 questions about British traditions and customs |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 75% or more, so 18 of 24 correct |
| Fee | £50, paid each time you take it |
| Booking | Online, at least 3 days in advance; there are over 30 test centres in the UK |
| On the day | Bring the same original ID you used to book; your photo is taken at the centre |
| Study material | Only the official Guide for New Residents (book, eBook or audio) |
You do not need to take the test if you are under 18, 65 or over, have passed it before or have a long-term physical or mental condition. If you pass, you get a unique reference number for your application. Sources: gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test and its page 'What happens at the test' (checked October 2026). The Home Office has said it is reviewing the test and will announce any changes with transitional arrangements (written answer UIN 15780, 13 July 2026); until then the format above and the 3rd edition handbook apply. Always check gov.uk before you book.
What to study: the five chapters of the handbook
Every question in the real test comes from Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition, Home Office). Our 447 questions follow its chapters, split into 11 practice topics:
- The values and principles of the UK: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance and taking part in community life; the citizenship pledge.
- What is the UK? England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Crown dependencies and the Union Flag.
- A long and illustrious history: Stonehenge and the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, 1066, Magna Carta, the Tudors and Stuarts, the Civil War, the Empire, both world wars and Britain since 1945. This is the biggest chapter, with the most dates and names.
- A modern, thriving society: capitals and currency, religion, festivals and saints' days, sport, music, art, literature and famous places.
- The UK government, the law and your role: the King and Parliament, elections, devolution, the courts, taxes, driving and helping your community.
How the free Life in the UK practice test works
Practise all 447 questions for free, by topic or mixed. After every answer you see a short explanation that names the handbook chapter, so you know exactly where to read more. When you feel ready, take a timed mock exam: 24 random questions from all topics, 45 minutes, pass with 18 correct (75%), just like the real test. Because the mock exams draw from 447 questions, every attempt is different.
The mock exams cost $6.99, one payment (no subscription). They include unlimited attempts, your weakest topics ranked after every exam, drills on the questions you got wrong and a MyLevel practice certificate when you pass. Not useful? Ask for a full refund within 14 days.
The questions are original MyLevel practice questions written from the facts in the handbook. They are not the questions of the real test and are not copied from any other question bank. Nobody can legally sell you the real test questions; knowing the handbook is what gets you through.
Tips to pass the Life in the UK test the first time
- Read the official handbook once from start to finish, then practise topic by topic.
- Spend extra time on history: learn the key dates (1066, 1215, 1588, 1707, 1801, 1918, 1928, 1948) and who did what.
- Learn the four patron saints and their days, and the capital cities of the four nations.
- Know how Parliament works: the Commons and the Lords, the Speaker, the cabinet and general elections.
- Facts that can change, such as the monarch or the number of seats, are marked and re-checked daily on our side; check the latest edition of the handbook too.
- Keep taking timed mock exams until you score 21 or more out of 24 every time.
MyLevel is an independent practice site and is not affiliated with the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, TSO (The Stationery Office) or the official Life in the UK test provider. All questions are original MyLevel questions based on the public facts in Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents; they are not the questions of the official test. Always check gov.uk for the current fee, booking rules and test format.
Sample question with explanation
Which statement is correct?
- The right to a fair trial only applies in England
- A fair trial is only guaranteed for civil disputes
- Everyone in the UK has the right to a fair trial
- Only British-born citizens have the right to a fair trial
Show the answer
Answer: C. Everyone in the UK has the right to a fair trial
A right to a fair trial is one of the freedoms the UK offers to everyone who lives here, whatever their nationality. Handbook chapter: The values and principles of the UK.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Life in the UK test and what is the pass mark?
The test has 24 questions and you have 45 minutes. You must score 75% or more, which means at least 18 correct answers. Our mock exams use exactly this format.
How much does the Life in the UK test cost?
The official test costs £50 each time you take it, booked online at least 3 days in advance (gov.uk, October 2026). MyLevel practice is free; our timed mock exams cost $6.99 once, with no subscription.
Is this Life in the UK practice test free?
Yes. All 447 practice questions with explanations are free. Unlimited timed 24-question mock exams with topic analysis and a practice certificate cost $6.99, one payment, no subscription.
Are these the real Life in the UK test questions?
No. The official question bank is not published, and we never sell real test questions. Our questions are original and test the same facts from the official handbook, so you learn what you need to answer any version of the test.
Do I get a certificate?
When you pass a full mock exam you can download a MyLevel practice certificate (PDF) with your name and score. It is not an official document and does not replace the unique reference number you get when you pass the real test.
Which book is the Life in the UK test based on?
The official handbook is Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), published for the Home Office by TSO as a book, eBook and audio. gov.uk says you are only tested on information from this guide.
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