Study guide
How to prepare for the Life in the UK test
All questions come from the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). Read it, learn with untimed practice sets, then move to timed mock exams once you regularly score 18 out of 24.
Last reviewed · Independent guide, always confirm on GOV.UK
A 4-step revision plan
Read the official handbook
Every question comes from Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). Read it once end to end before you start testing yourself.
Learn with practice sets
Work through the practice sets without worrying about time. Check each answer and read the explanation so you understand why it is right.
Switch to timed mocks
Once you regularly score 18 or more, take previous year-style exams under the real 45-minute limit to build pacing and confidence.
Fix weak topics, then book
Retake papers where you dropped marks. When you pass several mocks in a row with 20+ correct, you are ready to book your official test.
What the handbook covers
The handbook has five chapters. Questions can come from any of them, but the history chapter is the largest, so give it the most time.
- Chapter 1
The values and principles of the UK
British values such as democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty, and the responsibilities and freedoms of residents.
- Chapter 2
What is the UK?
The countries that make up the UK, Great Britain and the British Isles, and the Crown dependencies and overseas territories.
- Chapter 3
A long and illustrious history
From the Stone Age and the Romans through the Tudors, the Empire and two World Wars to modern Britain. The largest chapter.
- Chapter 4
A modern, thriving society
Religion, customs and festivals, sport, the arts, literature, leisure and famous places across the UK.
- Chapter 5
The UK government, the law and your role
Parliament, elections, the monarchy, the courts, your rights and duties, and taking part in your community.
After each practice paper
- Did you reach the pass mark of 18 out of 24?
- Which topics keep appearing in your wrong answers?
- Which questions did you skip or change too slowly?
- Is your time per question improving from one paper to the next?
Ready to start? Take Practice Set 1.
Test yourself now
Take a free 24-question mock in the real format: 45 minutes, pass mark 18.