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Checked 16 October 2026

The Life in the UK test in 2026: what to expect

The test has not changed in 2026. Here is how it works today, in GOV.UK's own words, and what the government has said about the future.

The format

GOV.UK says"You’ll have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions about British traditions and customs."
GOV.UK says"You must score 75% or more to pass the test."

That means 18 right answers out of 24. The questions come from the official handbook, which is still the third edition, first published in 2013. Some facts in it have changed since (for example, the monarch). The real test follows the handbook, so our questions do too, and we say where the world has moved on.

The fee, and when to book

GOV.UK says"It costs £50." "You must book your test online at least 3 days in advance." "This is the only official government service for booking the Life in the UK Test."
GOV.UK says"You’ll get a refund if you cancel your test at least 3 days (72 hours) before you’re due to take the test."

On the day

GOV.UK says"You must bring the same ID that you used to book the test. This must be your original ID, not a copy or screenshot."

If you don't pass, GOV.UK says: "You can rebook the test as many times as you need. You’ll have to pay each time."

Is the test changing?

The government's May 2025 immigration white paper said it would "conduct a refresh of the Life in the UK test and how it operates". No date or details have been published yet. A government consultation on settlement, which closed in February 2026, proposed keeping a pass in the test as a requirement; the government has not yet published its response. Until GOV.UK announces a change, the test stays as it is.

We check GOV.UK's test pages every day. If GOV.UK changes the test, we update our questions and email GOV.UK's own note about the change to learners who have a course.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Sources: GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test, What happens at the test, Cancellations, refunds and complaints.

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