The Life in the UK test has 24 questions. All are multiple choice with 4 options. You need to answer 18 correctly to pass — that is 75%. You have 45 minutes, and your result is given immediately when you finish.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 24 |
| Pass mark | 18 correct — 75% |
| Time allowed | 45 minutes |
| Format | Multiple choice — 4 options per question |
| Penalty for wrong answers | No — unanswered questions score zero |
| Can you skip and return? | Yes — you can review and change answers |
| Results | Immediate — shown on screen when you finish |
| Questions drawn from | Official handbook (3rd edition) only |
Quick Overview
✅ 24 questions, 45 minutes, 75% to pass
✅ Each question has 4 possible answers — select one
✅ No penalty for wrong answers — always guess if unsure
✅ You can go back and change your answers before submitting
📌 Questions are drawn randomly from the full handbook question bank
📌 The same topics appear every time — history, values, government, culture
⚠️ You need 18 correct — getting 17 right is a fail
💡 Most people finish in 15–20 minutes — the time limit is not the challenge
How Many Questions Do You Need to Get Right?
You need 18 out of 24 correct to pass. That is exactly 75%.
Scoring 17 or fewer is a fail. There is no partial credit — each question is either correct or not. Wrong answers score zero, so it is always worth guessing if you are unsure, since a wrong answer costs you nothing extra.
What Are the Questions Like?
Every question is multiple choice with four options. You select one answer per question. There is no free text, no essay, no spoken element.
The questions test specific knowledge drawn entirely from the official handbook — Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). Nothing in the test comes from outside this book.
Topics covered across the 24 questions typically include:
- British history — the most common topic, covering events from the Stone Age to the present
- Government and politics — Parliament, elections, devolution, the monarchy
- British values — democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance
- Culture and society — sport, the arts, public holidays, traditions
- Everyday life — the NHS, education, housing, employment rights
The exact questions you receive are drawn randomly from the full question bank each time. No two test sittings are identical.
Can You Go Back and Change Answers?
Yes. The test is computer-based and allows you to navigate between questions and change answers before you submit. You are not locked into your first answer.
Many candidates answer all 24 questions, then use any remaining time to review flagged questions before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 24 questions a lot for a 45-minute test?
No. You have nearly 2 minutes per question on average, and most people finish in 15–20 minutes. Time pressure is not what makes the test difficult — specific factual recall is.
What happens if I leave a question blank?
Unanswered questions score zero. There is no additional penalty. You should always select an answer, even if you are guessing — a guess has a 1 in 4 chance of being correct.
Are the questions always the same?
No. Questions are drawn randomly from a large question bank each time. The topics covered remain the same — everything comes from the official handbook — but the specific questions vary between sittings.
How are the 24 questions split across topics?
The exact split varies because questions are selected randomly, but British history (Chapter 3 of the handbook) typically generates the most questions due to its length. It is the hardest chapter and worth spending the most study time on.
Can I see which questions I got wrong after the test?
No. You are told your overall result — pass or fail — and your score. You are not shown which individual questions you answered incorrectly.
Expert Tips
1. You only need 75% — but aim for 90% in practice. Getting 18 right gives you zero margin. If you are scoring 18–19 in practice, one bad day could mean a fail. Aim to be scoring 21–22 consistently before booking.
2. Never leave a question blank. There is no penalty for a wrong answer. A blank question is a guaranteed zero. A guess is a 25% chance of a point. Always guess.
3. History is the hardest part of the 24 questions. Chapter 3 of the handbook covers over 1,000 years of British history with specific dates, names and events. It generates the most questions and is where most candidates drop marks. Use our free practice questions to drill history specifically.
4. Use the review screen. Before submitting, go back through any questions you were unsure about. The time limit is generous — use it.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
All information on this page is based on official GOV.UK guidance for the Life in the UK test and the 3rd edition of the Life in the United Kingdom handbook published by TSO on behalf of the Home Office. Last reviewed: April 2026.
Official Resources
Book the Life in the UK test — GOV.UK The official booking page. Find test centres, check availability and pay the £50 fee.
Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents The official handbook. Every one of the 24 questions comes from this book.
Now you know what to expect, the best next step is to practice. Our free questions cover everything in the handbook — including the history questions most people find hardest.