Booking and taking the Life in the UK Test
How to book, what ID to bring, what happens on the day, and what to do if you fail. Based on the GOV.UK guidance in October 2026.
Book only through the official service
The only official booking service is the one linked from https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. Other sites may charge extra or not be genuine.
To book you need:
- an email address
- a debit or credit card for the £50 fee
- an accepted form of ID
You must book at least 3 days in advance. There are over 30 test centres in the UK, and you choose one when you book. The name on your booking must match your ID exactly. A missing middle name or a different spelling can stop you taking the test.
Accepted ID
If you have an eVisa, use a share code from your UKVI account to book.
If you do not have an eVisa (or cannot access it), you can use one of:
- a valid passport
- a valid national ID card from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway
- a valid Home Office travel document with a photo (not an emergency travel document)
- a biometric residence permit (BRP) or card (BRC). Your test must be no later than 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card, and before 31 December 2026, whichever comes first.
The ID must have a photo that looks like you. If you have none of these, contact UKVI before booking.
On the day
Bring the same original ID you used to book. A copy or a screenshot is not accepted. Your photo will be taken to confirm your identity. You cannot bring children or other family members into the centre.
The test is taken on a computer. You get 45 minutes for 24 questions based on the official handbook, and you need 75% (18 correct answers) to pass. You will not be allowed to sit the test, and will not get a refund, if you bring the wrong ID or refuse to have your photo taken.
If you need special arrangements because of a disability, ask when you book.
Results and your reference number
If you pass, you get a unique reference number. You enter it on your citizenship or settlement application, and the Home Office uses it to check your result. You do not normally need to send a certificate.
If you took the test before 17 December 2019, you will have a letter with a 'test reference ID' instead. If you have lost it, include a letter explaining this with your application.
If you fail, cancel or are late
You can rebook as many times as you need, but you pay £50 each time.
You get a refund if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test. You do not get one if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days.
You cannot get a refund if you brought the wrong ID or documents, were ill, were late, or refused to have your photo taken. If the test centre cancels your test, you can ask PSI (the test provider) for a refund within 3 months.
Helpline: 0800 015 4245, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.
Who does not need to take it
- People under 18
- People aged 65 or over
- People who have passed it before, for example for a settlement application
- People with a long-term physical or mental condition, who need the official exemption form or a doctor's letter
If you got settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you were not tested at that stage. You must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English requirement before you apply to naturalise.
- GOV.UK – Life in the UK Test (booking, ID, what happens at the test, refunds)
- GOV.UK – Check if you can become a British citizen
- GOV.UK – Apply for citizenship if you have ILR or settled status (eligibility, fee)
- GOV.UK – Apply for citizenship if your spouse is a British citizen
- GOV.UK – Form AN: guidance (Guide AN, July 2026)