What happens on the day of the Life in the UK test?

What happens on the day of the Life in the UK test?

You go to your test centre, show your ID, have your photo taken, and sit a computer test of 24 multiple choice questions in 45 minutes. You are told pass or fail on the same day.

Here are the steps in order.

Before you leave home

Read your booking email again. It tells you the time to arrive. Be there at that time, which is at least 30 minutes before your test starts. Plan the trip so that a late bus does not matter.

Pack your original ID, the same one you used to book. The name on it must match your booking exactly. Being late, or having the wrong ID or missing documents, means no test and no refund.

Leave your phone, watch, notes and handbook at home if you can. You cannot use them in the room anyway.

When you arrive

Staff check who you are. You show your ID, and a photo is taken. If you refuse the photo, you cannot sit the test.

You then put your belongings away. The centre has lockers. Smart devices, including smart glasses, are stored. If you made notes during the test, you hand them in before you leave.

Do not bring children or family inside. Only the person taking the test goes in.

How long will you be at the centre?

Plan for up to 2 hours in total. The test is 45 minutes, but checking in, waiting and leaving take time too. Do not book anything tight for the same afternoon.

In the test room

The test is on a computer. You answer 24 multiple choice questions, and you have 45 minutes. That is a little under two minutes for each question, so you have time to read each one with care.

Some tips for the room.

• Read the whole question before you look at the choices.
• Answer the questions you know first, and take a little more time over the harder ones.
• Keep an eye on the clock, but do not watch it all the time.

The test is based on every part of the handbook. Practise with full mock tests, so a set of 24 questions feels normal. Try our free practice test with the clock running.

After the test

You are told pass or fail on the day. You also get an email with your unique reference number, called the URN, whether you pass or fail. It arrives within 10 minutes. The URN shows in your Life in the UK account next to your result too.

Keep that email safe. You put the URN on your citizenship or settlement application. Read more in when you get your results.

What if something goes wrong?

If the centre cancels your test, ask for a refund within 3 months. If you are ill on the day, you get no refund. You can cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before and get your money back to your card.

How can you stay calm?

Breathe slowly while you wait. Remember that you can take the test again if you need to.

If you want a short, gentle read the night before, open the values and principles chapter. It covers the ideas behind British life, such as fairness, respect for the law and respect for the rights of others.

For packing, see what to bring.

Check yourself

• What time must you be at the centre, and how will you get there?
• Which ID will you carry, and does the name match your booking?
• What will you do with your phone and watch?