Living Abroad Life in the UK

How to book the Life in the UK test

Zorica Lončar

20.01.21 (updated more than 1 year ago)

Read time 2 minutes

If you’re applying for British citizenship or settlement in the UK, there are a number of processes you’ll need to complete. As well as providing all relevant paperwork, you’ll also need to complete the Life in the UK test.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about booking the Life in the UK test, including fees. Let’s get started.

What is the Life in the UK test?¹

The test is designed to assess your knowledge of life in the UK, and it’s a vital part of citizenship and settlement applications.

It’s a computer-based test lasting 45 minutes. It has 24 questions, which are randomly generated from a larger database of questions to ensure that each test is unique.

You’ll carry out the test in an approved test centre. Before you do so, you’ll be given a handbook, ‘Life in the United Kingdom: A guide for new residents’¹, to help you prepare. You can do practice tests too.

You’re exempt from taking the test if you²:

Are under 18 years old
Are over 65 years old
Have special circumstances (such as a long-term physical or mental disability) which prevents you from taking the test
Have already passed the test once

How to book the Life in the UK test?²

The only way to book your Life in the UK test is through the government’s website. You’ll need to do this and pay the fee at least 3 days in advance.

You’ll need an accepted form of ID, such as a valid passport, photo travel document, biometric residence permit or card. You’ll also need a debit or credit card to pay the fee, and an email address.

If you need help making your booking or in relation to the documents needed, you can call the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800 015 4245².

Life in the UK test fees

There is a fee of £50³ to book a Life in the UK test. You’ll need to pay this using a credit or debit card when you book your test online.

If you need to cancel your test, do so at least 3 days before the test date and you’ll get a refund to your card. However, you won’t receive a refund if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days of the test³.

If you’re in another country, it can be expensive to send the money for your test fee over to the UK using your own bank account. A cheaper option could be to use Wise.

Open a multi-currency Wise account and you can pay your test fee using your linked Wise debit card. It’s free to pay if you already have GBP in your account, but if not you’ll benefit from a tiny fee and the real, mid-market exchange rate on your payment.

Get your multi-currency account today

Life in the UK test centres

You can book your test at one of 30 test centres spread all over the UK² – you can choose the location closest to you.

After reading this guide, you should have a good idea of how to book a Life in the UK test. It should be really easy, as long as you have the right documents to hand. Good luck!

Sources used:

Life in the UK tests - about the test
Gov.uk - life in the UK test
Gov.uk - cancellations/refunds/complaints

Sources checked on 11-January 2021.

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.