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Life in the UK Test
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Life in the UK Test study guide

What is the Life in the UK Test pass mark?

The pass mark is the first thing most people look up, and the arithmetic behind it decides how you should practise: how many you can afford to lose, and what score in practice means you are genuinely ready.

Quick answer

You need 18 correct answers out of 24 to pass the Life in the UK Test — 75% — within 45 minutes. There is no negative marking, so an unanswered question costs exactly as much as a wrong one.

Key takeaways

  • 18 of 24 correct, which is 75%.
  • You can get 6 questions wrong and still pass.
  • 45 minutes, and it costs £50 per sitting.
  • Choose-two questions need both answers; one of two earns nothing.
  • Never leave a question blank — a guess costs nothing extra.

The number

You need 18 correct out of 24. That is 75%, and it leaves you 6 you can get wrong.

  • Questions: 24
  • Correct answers needed: 18
  • Percentage: 75%
  • Time: 45 minutes
  • Fee: £50 per sitting

How many questions are on the test?

24, and you answer all of them — there is no section you can skip. Everyone sitting in the same session gets a different set of 24 questions, drawn from every part of the handbook including the introduction. You will not be asked to remember dates of birth or death.

What GOV.UK states, and what it does not

The official page says you have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions and that it costs £50. It does not publish the pass mark itself, which is why the figure is easier to find on sites like this one than on GOV.UK.

There is no negative marking

A wrong answer and a blank answer score the same: nothing. So never leave one unanswered. If the clock is running out, answer everything — a guess is free.

The exception to watch is the choose-two question, where you must select both correct answers. One right answer out of two earns nothing at all, so these are worth slowing down for.

What score in practice means you are ready

Scraping 18 at home is not the same as passing on the day, when nerves and the clock cost a couple of marks. Our readiness score only calls you ready once your last five full mock exams average 12 percentage points above the pass mark, which is the margin that absorbs a bad day.

Test yourself on this

Reading it once is not the same as being able to answer it. The chapter test uses the same format as the real Life in the UK Test.

Take the chapter test Free practice test 1All questions on this topic

Free to read, always

Questions on this topic

Every question here was checked by hand against Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). How we check

  1. 1.How many questions are in the Life in the UK test?

    • A30
    • B20
    • C24
    • D45

    Candidates sitting together in one session each receive a different set of 24 questions. (Taking the Life in the UK test)

    Think this is wrong? Tell us

  2. 2.Which parts of the handbook are the questions based on?

    • AOnly the government chapter
    • BOnly the chapters after the introduction
    • CAll parts, including the introduction
    • DOnly the history chapter

    Questions are based on all parts of the handbook, including the introduction. (Taking the Life in the UK test)

    Think this is wrong? Tell us

  3. 3.What will you NOT be asked to remember?

    • ADates of birth or death
    • BThe date of the Battle of Hastings
    • CThe capital cities of the UK
    • DThe names of the patron saints

    You will not need to remember dates of birth or death. (Taking the Life in the UK test)

    Think this is wrong? Tell us

  4. 4.In which other languages can special arrangements be made to take the test?

    • AAny language on request
    • BFrench or German
    • CIrish Gaelic or Cornish
    • DWelsh or Scottish Gaelic

    The test is usually taken in English, although special arrangements can be made for Welsh or Scottish Gaelic. (Taking the Life in the UK test)

    Think this is wrong? Tell us

  5. 5.Where can you book the Life in the UK test?

    • AOnline only
    • BAt any post office
    • CAt your local council
    • DBy telephone only

    You can only book your test online. (Taking the Life in the UK test)

    Think this is wrong? Tell us

  6. 6.What must you take with you to the test?

    • AYour copy of the official handbook
    • BA recent passport photograph of yourself
    • CTwo references as to your character
    • DIdentification and proof of your address

    You need to take identification and proof of your address to the test. (Taking the Life in the UK test)

    Think this is wrong? Tell us

More Life in the UK Test topics, explained

Official source: GOV.UK — Life in the UK Test, checked 20 September 2026. Rules change; check the official page before you book or apply.

Questions are original works testing facts published in Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), © Crown copyright 2013. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Home Office.