Life in the UK Test: £50, 24 questions in 45 minutes and a 75% pass mark

The Life in the UK Test checks your knowledge of British traditions, history and how the country works. You take it as part of an application for settlement or British citizenship. It costs £50, lasts 45 minutes, has 24 questions, and the pass mark is 75%.

Who has to take the test, and who does not?

GOV.UK puts it carefully: you may need the test as part of your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK, and whether it applies to you is set out in the guidance for your route and in the application form itself.

Four groups are exempt: anyone under 18; anyone aged 65 or over; anyone who has already passed the test, for example as part of a settlement application; and people with a long-term physical or mental condition. In the last case you need either an exemption form or a doctor's letter confirming the condition.

How much does it cost and how do you book?

The test costs £50. You book online at least three days in advance. To book you need an email address, a debit or credit card and an accepted form of ID.

There are over 30 test centres in the UK and you choose yours when you book. The Life in the UK Test Helpline is 0800 015 4245, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.

Which ID is accepted?

An eVisa share code, or one of: a valid passport; a valid EU, Swiss, Icelandic, Liechtenstein or Norwegian ID card; a valid travel document with a photo, though not an emergency travel document; or a biometric residence permit or card.

The key requirement: the name on your booking must be an exact match with the name on your ID. On the day you bring the same ID you booked with, and it must be the original, not a copy or a screenshot. Your photo is taken at the centre to confirm your identity. You cannot bring children or other family members with you.

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What counts as a pass?

You need 75% or more. If you pass you are given a unique reference number: that is what your citizenship or settlement application needs, and the Home Office uses it to check you passed.

People who sat the test before 17 December 2019 were given a letter with a test reference ID instead. If that letter is lost, send a letter explaining this with your application.

What if you fail?

You can rebook as many times as you need — GOV.UK sets no limit on attempts. But you have to pay each time.

When do you get your money back?

The £50 goes back to the card you booked with if you cancel at least three days — 72 hours — before you are due to take the test. Cancel or rearrange inside those three days and there is no refund.

Separately, GOV.UK lists the reasons that get you no refund at all: wrong ID, illness, lateness, wrong documents, or refusing to have your photo taken. You cancel yourself by signing in to your Life in the UK account, choosing confirmed tests and then cancel tests, after which you can book another date. You do not need to contact UK Visas and Immigration.

If the test centre cancels, you request a refund from the operator PSI within three months of the test date. Complaints go to the same place — complaints@lituk.psionline.com or 0800 015 4245 — also within three months, and PSI says it will respond within 10 working days.

What to check before you book

Two things cost applicants money most often. First, that the name on the booking matches the ID letter for letter. Second, the cancellation window: the £50 comes back only if you cancel 72 hours ahead, and being ill on the day is not a ground for a refund.