How much does the Life in the UK test cost?

How much does the Life in the UK test cost?

The test costs £50 each time you sit it. You pay by debit or credit card when you book online.

Some slots cost more. A paid extra of £25 or £30 is added on top of the £50.

What are the paid extras?

A normal slot has no extra cost. You only pay more if you choose one of these:

• A slot within 24 hours: £30 extra.
• A slot with 24 to 72 hours' notice: £25 extra.
• A slot outside core hours: £25 extra.
• A Sunday slot: £25 extra.

So a Sunday test costs £75 in total, and a slot within 24 hours costs £80. A slot with 24 to 72 hours' notice costs £75.

If you book at least 3 days ahead and take a normal weekday slot, you pay £50. Look at extras only when time is short.

Do you pay again if you fail?

Yes. You can take the test as many times as you need, and you pay £50 each time. This is one reason to book when you are ready, not as soon as you can. Practise at home first. A free practice test costs nothing, so you can check your level before you pay for the real one.

How do you pay?

You pay by debit or credit card when you book online. You need an email address, a card and an accepted ID to book. The name on the booking must match the name on your ID exactly.

Start at gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test so you use the government booking page. Other sites can look similar.

Can you get a refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before your test. The money goes back to your card. If you cancel or rearrange inside 3 days, there is no refund.

There is also no refund for the wrong ID, illness, being late, missing documents or refusing the photo. If the test centre cancels, ask for your money back within 3 months.

You can rearrange or cancel in your Life in the UK account, under "Confirmed tests". Read how to cancel and get a refund for the steps.

How can you avoid paying twice?

Most lost fees come from small things, so check these before the day:

• The name on your booking matches your ID, letter for letter.
• Your ID is valid and is the same original you used to book.
• You know the cancel-by date, and you have it in your diary.
• You know the route to the centre and you arrive early.

A test you are not ready for is also money wasted. Work through all five handbook chapters before your date, starting with the short one on values and principles.

When should you book?

Book when your practice scores are steady and you have a date in mind. For how early to book, read how far ahead you book the test.

Check yourself

• What is the total price of the slot you plan to book, with any extra?
• What is your cancel-by date, if you need to move the test?
• Is your name on the booking exactly as it is on your ID?