Citizenship
Life in the UK Test Practice 2026
The Life in the UK test is a 24-question test about British values, history, traditions and government, taken by many people applying for settlement or British citizenship. These practice questions are written from the facts in the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, and follow its chapters.
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Question 1 of 24
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Answer: C. The rule of law
The fundamental principles of British life include democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of different faiths and beliefs, and taking part in community life.
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Question 2 of 24
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Answer: A. Everyone must obey the law, including people in power
Under the rule of law, the same laws apply to everyone, including the government and its ministers.
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Question 3 of 24
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Answer: C. Accepting that other people have different religions and beliefs
Tolerance means respecting other people's right to hold different beliefs, even when you do not share them.
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Question 4 of 24
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Answer: A. Looking after the area where you live and the environment
People living in the UK are expected to look after their local area and the environment, as well as obey the law and respect others.
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Question 5 of 24
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Answer: A. Freedom of speech
Freedom of speech is one of the basic freedoms in the UK. Paying tax and obeying the law are still required.
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Question 6 of 24
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Answer: A. The right to a fair trial
Everyone in the UK has the right to a fair trial.
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Question 7 of 24
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Answer: D. Swear or affirm loyalty to the monarch and make a pledge to the UK
At a citizenship ceremony, new citizens take an oath (or make an affirmation) of allegiance to the monarch and make a pledge to respect the UK's rights, freedoms, democratic values and laws.
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Question 8 of 24
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Answer: C. Observe the laws of the UK faithfully
The pledge includes promises to respect the UK's rights and freedoms, uphold its democratic values, observe its laws faithfully and fulfil the duties of a citizen.
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Question 9 of 24
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Answer: A. That they can speak and understand English to the required level
Most applicants must prove both their knowledge of English and their knowledge of life in the UK.
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Question 10 of 24
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Answer: B. People are free to live as they choose, as long as they stay within the law
Individual liberty means personal freedom within the limits of the law.
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Question 11 of 24
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Answer: A. Freedom of belief and religion
Freedom of belief and religion means you can follow any religion, change your religion or have no religion.
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Question 12 of 24
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Answer: A. Freedom from unfair discrimination
Everyone in the UK has the right not to be treated unfairly because of who they are.
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Question 13 of 24
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Answer: B. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
The UK is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Question 14 of 24
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Answer: A. England, Scotland and Wales
Great Britain means England, Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom also includes Northern Ireland.
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Question 15 of 24
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Answer: D. Crown dependencies with their own governments, not part of the UK
The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are closely linked to the UK but are not part of it. They have their own governments.
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Question 16 of 24
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Answer: D. The Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands and St Helena are examples of British overseas territories. Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are Crown dependencies.
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Question 17 of 24
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Answer: C. Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital of Wales and the home of the Senedd (the Welsh Parliament).
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Question 18 of 24
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Answer: D. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the home of the Scottish Parliament.
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Question 19 of 24
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Answer: B. Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Assembly meets at Stormont in Belfast.
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Question 20 of 24
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Answer: B. St George, St Andrew and St Patrick
The Union Flag combines the crosses of St George (England), St Andrew (Scotland) and St Patrick (Ireland).
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Question 21 of 24
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Answer: D. Wales was already united with England when the first Union Flag was made in 1606
When the first Union Flag was created in 1606, Wales was already united with England, so it was not shown separately.
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Question 22 of 24
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Answer: C. A white diagonal cross on a blue background
The cross of St Andrew, patron saint of Scotland, is a white diagonal cross on blue.
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Question 23 of 24
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Answer: C. A red dragon
The Welsh flag shows a red dragon on a background of white and green.
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Question 24 of 24
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Answer: C. About 870 miles (1,400 km)
The longest distance on the British mainland, from John O'Groats to Land's End, is about 870 miles (around 1,400 kilometres).
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: 75% or more (18 of 24)
What to know before the test
- The test has 24 questions about British traditions and customs, and you have 45 minutes to answer them.
- You must score 75% or more to pass, which means at least 18 correct answers out of 24.
- The test costs £50. You must book online at least 3 days in advance, and there are more than 30 test centres in the UK.
- You are only tested on information in the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents.
- You do not need to take the test if you are under 18, aged 65 or over, have already passed it, or have a long-term physical or mental condition (with an exemption form or doctor's letter).
- Bring the same ID you used to book. The name on your booking must match your ID exactly, or you cannot take the test and will not get a refund.
- If you pass, you get a unique reference number to use in your citizenship or settlement application. If you fail, you can book again, but you pay each time.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Life in the UK test?
24 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes and need to score 75% or more, which means at least 18 correct answers.
How much does the Life in the UK test cost?
£50, according to GOV.UK on 10 October 2026. You book online at least 3 days before your test.
Who needs to take the Life in the UK test?
Many people applying for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) or British citizenship. You do not need to take it if you are under 18, 65 or over, have already passed, or have a long-term condition that stops you, with an exemption form or doctor's letter.
What should I study for the Life in the UK test?
The official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. Questions only come from it. It covers British values, what the UK is, history, modern society, and government and the law.
What happens if I fail the Life in the UK test?
You can book another test as many times as you need, but you have to pay the fee each time.
Has the Life in the UK handbook changed?
As of 10 October 2026, GOV.UK still says the test is based on the official Guide for New Residents and does not mention a new edition. Check GOV.UK before you book in case this changes.