Life in the UK Test Practice: Free 24-Question Mock Exam
Practise under real conditions — 24 questions, a 45-minute timer and the 75% pass mark — then review every answer with an explanation. No sign-up, no data stored.
Start your free mock exam
You will get 24 randomly selected practice questions and 45 minutes on the clock, exactly like the official test. Pick one answer per question — you can review everything at the end.
These are original practice questions written to mirror the official test’s format and topics. They are not the real exam questions, which are drawn from the official handbook. Use this to study, not as a guarantee of passing.
A practice result is a study guide, not a prediction. The official test uses different questions from the official handbook.
The Life in the UK test is a 24-question, multiple-choice exam that you must pass to get either settlement (ILR) or British citizenship. You have 45 minutes and need at least 75% — 18 correct out of 24 — to pass. The official test costs £50 and its questions come from the official handbook. The free mock exam above mirrors that exact format so you can practise under real conditions, score yourself, and learn from every answer.
How the real test works
The mock above is built to match the official exam. Here is what to expect on the day.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 24 multiple-choice |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 75% — at least 18 out of 24 |
| Cost | £50 |
| Booking | On GOV.UK, at least 3 days ahead, at an approved centre |
| Validity | The pass never expires; used for ILR and citizenship |
Source: GOV.UK — Life in the UK Test. You must usually take the test before applying for ILR; it is one of the core settlement requirements.
What the test covers
The official questions are drawn from the handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. They fall into a few broad areas, and our mock exam pulls from each:
- Values and principles of the UK — democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance and taking part in community life.
- What is the UK? — the four countries, their capitals, flags, patron saints and national symbols.
- A long and illustrious history — from early settlers and the Romans through 1066, the Tudors, the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution and the two World Wars to modern Britain.
- A modern, thriving society — sport, culture, religion, holidays and famous Britons.
- Government, the law and your role — Parliament, the monarchy, elections, the courts and how you can take part.
How to prepare and pass
Most people who fail simply under-prepare or run out of revision time. A reliable approach:
- Read the official handbook end to end — every question comes from it. It is the single most important resource.
- Practise with timed mock tests like the one above until you consistently score well above 18/24, not just at the line.
- Focus on dates, names and numbers — these are where many questions sit and where revision pays off fastest.
- Review every wrong answer, read the explanation, and come back to weak topics rather than retaking blindly.
After you pass: ILR and citizenship
Your pass certificate never expires, so a single pass covers both settlement and citizenship. Once you have it, the test box is ticked for your ILR application and, later, for British citizenship. Pair it with the English language requirement — the other half of the Knowledge of Language and Life test — and check your timing with our ILR eligibility calculator.
Life in the UK practice test: frequently asked questions
Is this the real Life in the UK test?
How many questions are on the Life in the UK test and what is the pass mark?
Is the Life in the UK practice test free, and do I need to sign up?
Can I retake the practice test?
How much does the official Life in the UK test cost and how do I book it?
What does the Life in the UK test cover?
Our editorial and accuracy standards
ILR Calculator UK is an independent, free settlement-planning resource. The practice questions on this page are written by our editorial team to reflect the format and subject areas of the official Life in the UK test. They test well-established facts about British history, geography, government and culture, and each carries a short explanation. They are an original study aid — not reproductions of the official exam questions, which are confidential and drawn from the official handbook.
This page is a study tool and general information, not regulated immigration advice. The official test is administered by the Home Office and booked through GOV.UK. For advice on your settlement or citizenship application, use an adviser regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) or a solicitor.