Free Life in the UK Practice Test 2026: 24 Questions
Take a free Life in the UK test with no sign-up. You get the same structure as the real day: 24 questions in 45 minutes, with a passing mark of 18 out of 24 (75%). Use this free practice test to measure where you stand, find weak spots, and retake it until you pass comfortably, or sit it in one go as a timed mock test before you book.
Independent study tool · Not affiliated with the Home Office · Last reviewed: 13 August 2026
24 questions, same format as the real test
Questions written by our team from the official handbook, in the style of the Life in the UK Test.
Timed: 45 minutes, like the real test
The clock starts when you begin and auto-submits at zero, exactly as on test day.
Score and explanations at the end
Answer all 24 questions, then see your score and a plain explanation for every one.
Passing score
You need 18 out of 24 correct (75%) to pass, with 45 minutes on the clock. That is the same bar as the official test.
This is a free practice tool and does not replace the official test. Always confirm current requirements on gov.uk before booking.
Why take this free Life in the UK test?
Our free Life in the UK test lets you practise 24 questions in the style of the official test, drawn from the material in the official handbook. The multiple-choice format and 45-minute timer mirror test day, so the right answers come naturally when it counts.
The real test is taken on a computer at an official test centre. This page is a self-study tool you can take as many times as you like. Spot the topics you keep getting wrong, read the explanation for every question, and come back until you pass with room to spare.
How the free test works
- Start the test directly on this page. No account, no card.
- Answer all 24 questions within the 45-minute limit. The clock auto-submits at zero, just like the real test.
- See your score and a detailed explanation for every question.
- Spot weak chapters, review, then retake the test until you pass comfortably (18 out of 24 or better).
Want to prepare for every question? Create an account to practise the whole handbook, or read the Life in the UK Test guide for format, booking, fees and exemptions.
Life in the UK Test, British citizenship test or UK citizenship test?
These are all names for the same exam. The official one is the Life in the UK Test, which is what GOV.UK calls it and what appears when you book. Many people say "British citizenship test" because passing it is one of the requirements for naturalisation, but you also need it for indefinite leave to remain (settlement), so it is not only a citizenship test.
Whichever name brought you here, the exam is the same: 24 questions in 45 minutes, 18 correct to pass, taken on a computer at an official test centre. There is only one version of it. If a site offers you a "short" or "easy" version, that is not something the Home Office runs.
What the test covers, chapter by chapter
The official test draws on the whole handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), which has five chapters. GOV.UK does not publish how many questions come from each one, so nobody can tell you the official split. The counts below are ours: they show how the 24 questions on this page are spread, not a forecast of what you will be asked on the day.
- The values and principles of the UK2 of 24 here
The fundamental principles of British life, the rights and responsibilities that come with living here, and the citizenship ceremony.
- What is the UK?4 of 24 here
The four countries and their capitals, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, the languages spoken, and the flag.
- A long and illustrious history8 of 24 here
From the Romans to modern Britain: the dates, monarchs and events the test returns to most. Usually the heaviest chapter to revise.
- A modern, thriving society4 of 24 here
Religions, customs and festivals, sport, the arts, food and pubs, money, and the landmarks worth knowing by name.
- The UK government, the law and your role6 of 24 here
The monarchy, Parliament, elections, devolution, the justice system, and what is expected of you as a resident.
Weakest on one chapter? Open its guide above, then come back and retake the test. Our study guide sets out the order to work through them in.
Use it as a timed mock test
Because the format matches the official exam (24 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes, 18 to pass), this page also works as a free Life in the UK mock test. To simulate test day, sit it in one go: no notes, no handbook, no pausing, and let the timer run. Scoring 18 or more under those conditions, more than once, is the clearest sign you are ready to book the real test.
One mock is never the whole picture, though. The official test draws on the entire handbook, so pair this mock test with chapter-by-chapter practice and further timed mock exams to cover every topic before test day.
Who needs to take the Life in the UK Test?
You usually need to pass the Life in the UK Test if you are applying for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) or for British citizenship. It is generally required for applicants aged 18 to 64. Some people are exempt, for example those under 18 or aged 65 and over, and those with a long-term physical or mental condition. Check your situation on gov.uk before booking.
Official test vs. this free test
| Official test | This free test | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 24 | 24 |
| Time limit | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Passing score | 18 correct (75%) | 18 correct (75%) |
| Format | Multiple choice (computer) | Multiple choice |
| Where the questions come from | Home Office, confidential and never published | Written by us from the 3rd-edition handbook |
| Result | Pass / fail decision | Score + explanations |
| Cost | £50 per attempt | Free |
Frequently asked questions
Is this Life in the UK test really free?
Yes. This 24-question practice test is completely free. You can start it right away with no payment and no usage limit.
Do I need to create an account?
No. The free Life in the UK test works without signing up. You can practise immediately and only later decide whether to continue with full preparation.
Is the free test timed?
Yes. You get 45 minutes, the same as the official test. The clock starts when you begin and submits your answers automatically when it reaches zero.
How many questions do I need to pass?
The official Life in the UK Test has 24 questions and you must answer at least 18 correctly (75%) to pass. Aim for 18 out of 24 or better on this free test.
Can I use this as a mock test?
Yes. It has the same format as the official exam: 24 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes, and an 18 out of 24 pass mark. That means you can sit it under exam conditions as a timed mock test. Scoring 18 or more in one sitting is a good sign you are on track.
Does this match the official test format?
It uses questions based on the official handbook (3rd edition) and the same structure: 24 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes with a 75% pass mark. Always confirm current requirements on gov.uk.
How do I continue after this free test?
Create an account to practise the whole handbook, run more timed mock exams, review your mistakes automatically, and track your progress by chapter.
What to study next
The chapter guides above cover the material. These cover how to revise it, and what happens once you are ready to book:
Life in the UK Test study guide
How to study the official handbook, with a four-week plan.
Tips to pass first time
The habits that make the biggest difference on the test.
The hardest test questions
The topics that catch people out, and how to fix each one.
Test cost & how to book
The £50 fee, what it covers, and booking on GOV.UK.
Don't let a few questions block your settlement
Practise the whole official handbook with timed mock exams, mistake review, and progress tracking by chapter.
Start practising freeNo credit card required. Full access starts at £7.99 for a month: compare the study access plans.
Official sources (GOV.UK)
This page explains how the Life in the UK Test is structured and who has to take it and is for study and preparation only. It is general information, not immigration advice, and does not determine your eligibility for settlement or citizenship. For official rules and any updates, rely on GOV.UK; GOV.UK guidance controls if anything here differs.