Taking the Life in the UK test
This handbook will help prepare you for taking the Life in the UK test. The test consists of 24 questions about important aspects of life in the UK. Questions are based on ALL parts of the handbook. The 24 questions will be different for each person taking the test at that test session.
The Life in the UK test is usually taken in English, although special arrangements can be made if you wish to take it in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.
You can only take the test at a registered and approved Life in the UK test centre. There are about 60 test centres around the UK. You can only book your test online, at www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk. You should not take your test at any other establishment as the UK Border Agency will only accept certificates from registered test centres. If you live on the Isle of Man or in the Channel Islands, there are different arrangements for taking the Life in the UK test.
When booking your test, read the instructions carefully. Make sure you enter your details correctly. You will need to take some identification and proof of your address with you to the test. If you don’t take these, you will not be able to take the test.
How to use this handbook
Everything that you will need to know to pass the Life in the UK test is included in this handbook. The questions will be based on the whole book, including this introduction, so make sure you study the entire book thoroughly. The handbook has been written to ensure that anyone who can read English at ESOL Entry Level 3 or above should have no difficulty with the language.
The glossary at the back of the handbook contains some key words and phrases, which you might find helpful.
The ‘Check that you understand’ boxes are for guidance. They will help you to identify particular things that you should understand. Just knowing the things highlighted in these boxes will not be 10 enough to pass the test. You need to make sure that you understand everything in the book, so please read the information carefully.
Where to find more information
You can find out more information from the following places:
- The UK Border Agency website ( www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk ) for more information about the application process and the forms you will need to complete
- The Life in the UK test website ( www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk ) for more information about the test and how to book a place to take one
- Gov.uk ( www.gov.uk ) for information about ESOL courses and how to find one in your area.
The section explains how the Life in the UK test works and how to prepare. The test has 24 questions about important aspects of life in the UK. Questions are based on all parts of the handbook, and the 24 questions are different for each person taking the test at that session. The test is usually taken in English, but special arrangements can be made for Welsh or Scottish Gaelic. You can only take it at a registered and approved test centre; there are about 60 around the UK. You can only book online at the Life in the UK test website. Do not take it elsewhere, because the UK Border Agency will only accept certificates from registered centres. If you live on the Isle of Man or in the Channel Islands, different arrangements apply. When booking, read the instructions and enter your details correctly. You must bring identification and proof of address, or you cannot take the test. The handbook says everything you need is included, and questions cover the whole book, including the introduction. Study the entire book thoroughly. The glossary may help. The Check that you understand boxes are guidance only; knowing those points is not enough.
The handbook text is reproduced under the terms printed in Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition: © Crown copyright 2013. It is reproduced accurately, the title is given, and this site does not use the Home Office crest or imitate the official edition. We are not an official publication. The reproduced text is the 3rd edition (2013). Later official impressions changed some references from the Queen to King Charles III and renamed some institutions. Where something looks dated, check the current official handbook on GOV.UK.
Practice questions
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How many questions are in the Life in the UK test?
The test contains 24 questions about important aspects of life in the UK.In which languages is the Life in the UK test normally available?
The test is usually in English, but Welsh or Scottish Gaelic can be arranged specially.What should you bring with you when you take the test?
You must bring identification and proof of address, or you cannot take the test.What does the handbook say about the ‘Check that you understand’ boxes?
The boxes are guidance only; you need to understand the whole handbook.