Life in the UK test for British Citizenship

Becoming a citizen means you are a national of that particular country. Now there are various circumstances of whether you are eligible of becoming a British national or not. For instance, you can apply for British Citizenship if:

- You were born in the United Kingdom

- You are a spouse or partner (civil) of the British Citizen

- You hold an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

- You hold a “settled status”

- Any of your parents is a British Citizen

In order to apply for citizenship, one has to pass the British citizenship test. The process of getting British Citizenship is called Naturalisation. Life in the UK test is one of the requirements for British citizenship applications. Life in the UK test exam for British citizenship is designed especially for:

- Testing the applicant’s grip on English 

-  Check whether the candidate can adapt to the UK lifestyle, has knowledge about British traditions, law, customs, and is eligible to be a British citizen.

This test comprises 24 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each and every question judge an applicant’s capability. Life in the UK quiz questions is about British history, customs, traditions, lifestyle, and UK law. One needs to be aware of the ‘UK things’ before permanently becoming a part of it. Passing this test is mandatory for your citizenship application. Here’s a sum total of topics included in the Life in UK test.

1. UK’s Values and Principles

2. The Great Britain History

3. Customs and traditions of UK

4. British law and government

5. Process of becoming a British Citizen

Preparing for the Life in the UK Test:

For becoming a citizen of any country, you need to know their traditions, law, the government, and their way of living. Similarly, for getting British Citizenship the candidate should know about all the details. This is where life in the UK test comes in!

How to pass the life in the UK test? Preparation is the Key!

You can prepare for life in the UK test from the official study guide. All the 24 questions in life in the UK mock test are based on the information given in this guide. To be safe and prepared for what’s to come, you can also take life in the UK practice tests. Note that, these exact practice questions won’t be appearing in your test. Life in the UK test questions is selected randomly from the database, making it unique and different in its own way. The official study guide contains practice questions as well.

This handbook is known as “Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents – 3rd edition”. It consists of five chapters:

Chapter 1: Values and Principles of the UK

Chapter 2: What is the UK?

Chapter 3: Long and Illustrious History of the UK

Chapter 4: The Modern and Thriving Society

Chapter 5: The UK Law, Government and Your Role in it.

Life in the UK Test Pass mark:

How much do I have to score in order to pass the test? As mentioned before, the Life in the UK test comprises 24 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). In order to pass you will have to score at least 75% marks i.e., answer 18 questions correctly out of 24. Life in the UK test duration is about 45 minutes, giving you an average of 2 minutes per question. Read the questions thoroughly, take your time, and select the correct option. If you are unsure of a question, flag it and complete the ones you know first. Then come back and answer the rest.

How do I Book my British Citizenship Test?

Booking the life in the UK or British Citizenship test is pretty simple. You can book the life in the UK test online from the government’s official website. Note that, the test should be booked at least 3 days in advance. You will also have to make the payment in advance. The life in the UK test fee is £50.

In case you cannot take your test, you will have to cancel the test at least 3 days before the test date. Anyone who falls under the age bracket of 18-65 years is eligible to take this test. There are some exemptions; you will not need to take the test if:

- You are under 18 or above 65

- You have long term physical or mental illness (with a letter by the doctor)

For booking the life in the UK test, the candidate must provide: 

- A Passport or BRP reference number

- Residential address

- Email address

- Debit or credit card.

Where is the Life in the UK test taken?

There are about 30 centers all across the UK. The best part is that you can choose the center closest to you for taking the test.

Errors made during the Life in the UK Test:

Errors are common in every case; Life in the UK test is no different. There are a number of mistakes made by the candidates applying for UK Citizenship. Candidates tend to stress and panic leading to mistakes. One of the most common mistakes is the confusion between First and Last names. Note that, when booking you will be asked for your last name first. Make sure you write the correct name. Another mistake includes putting in an incorrect passport number.

What happens at the Exam Centre?

For the life in the UK test, the candidates will be required to bring identification documents;

- A Valid Passport

- A BRP (Biometric Residence Permit or BRC (Biometric Residence Card)

- European Union ID card

All the above documents must be up to date and similar to the ones used to book the test. For the test, take out at least 2 and half hours. Arrive at the test center about 15-20 minutes beforehand. It takes about 15 minutes for the identity checks and then 45 minutes for the test itself. Later, you will have to wait at the center for the Life in the UK test results. Yes, you will know how you did in the test before your leave the center. In case you passed, you will have to take your pass certificate first and then leave the center.

Have something to report regarding the Life in the UK test? You can make your complaint by contacting, directly. Email at complaints@lituk.learndirect.com. You can also contact the concerned person via 0800 0154245 within 8 am - 4 pm (Monday to Friday). Note that, the complaint must be made within the 3 months of when the test was taken. Your complaint will be responded in a span of 10 working days.