How to book the Life in the UK Test

The five steps

1. Gather what you need. You need an accepted identity document (passport or UK biometric residence permit/card), your postcode, an email address, and a debit or credit card for the £50 fee.
2. Go to the gov.uk booking service. The only place to book is gov.uk — search 'Life in the UK Test' or go directly to gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. No other website can book it for you cheaper or faster.
3. Create your account and enter your details. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on the ID you will bring on test day. A mismatch between your booking and your document can mean being turned away without a refund.
4. Choose a test centre and time. You'll see the centres nearest your postcode — there are around 30 across the UK. You must book at least 3 days in advance.
5. Pay the £50 fee. Pay by card at the end of the booking. Keep the confirmation email: it has your test date, time and centre.

Book the test on GOV.UK

Before you book: are you ready?

The test is 24 questions in 45 minutes with a pass mark of 18. Each attempt costs £50, so it pays to book a date that gives you enough study time. Take our free 2-minute demo to see your current level, then pick a date your plan can hit comfortably.

Common mistakes

• Booking through a middleman site. Some sites charge £100–£200 for the same £50 booking. Read how to spot them.
• Details not matching your ID. Your name and document number must match exactly what you bring on the day.
• Forgetting proof of address. You need it on test day — see the full ID requirements.
• Booking too soon. A failed attempt costs another £50 and a 7-day wait. Two extra weeks of prep is cheaper.

After you book

Save your confirmation email, then start preparing: know what happens on test day, and put your test date into your study plan so the countdown and daily sessions match your real deadline.