What do you need to bring to the Life in the UK test?

Bring the original ID you used to book. The name on your booking must match that ID exactly.

A copy or a screenshot is not accepted. Staff take your photo on the day.

Put the ID in the bag you will carry the evening before. Most problems on test day start with a document that is at home.

Which ID does the Life in the UK test accept?

The test accepts an eVisa share code, a valid passport, a valid photo ID card from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, and a valid photo travel document that is not an emergency one. It also accepts a biometric residence permit or card, within the limit below.

A biometric residence permit or card is accepted if your test is no later than 24 months after the expiry date printed on it, or before 31 December 2026, whichever comes first.

An eVisa share code must start with the letter S.

If you booked with a share code, read the booking site's own guidance on how to show it. Do this days before the test, not at the door.

Check the expiry date of your ID against the date of your test, not against the day you book.

What if your name does not match your ID?

If your ID is wrong, or you refuse to have your photo taken, you cannot take the test and you do not get a refund.

Compare your booking with the ID itself. Look at spelling, middle names and the order of your names. Do not rely on memory.

If you find a mistake after booking, call the booking helpline before the test day. The number is in the section on cancelling, further down this page.

Do you need proof of address for the Life in the UK test?

The handbook says to bring ID and proof of your address. The current gov.uk and booking pages ask for ID only and do not ask for proof of address.

Your confirmation email is the best guide for your own booking. If it asks you to bring anything else, bring that too.

What can you not take into the room?

You cannot take a phone, a watch, notes or the handbook into the test. Lockers are provided.

Smart devices are stored too, including smart glasses. If you make notes during the test, you must hand them over.

From 1 October 2026, headphones are no longer a standard aid. You can only use them if a special arrangement has been approved.

Children and family members cannot come inside with you.

Arrange childcare early. If you have no one to look after your child, change your booking in good time, because later changes lose the fee.

When should you arrive?

Your confirmation email gives an arrival time. The booking terms ask you to be there at least 30 minutes before your test.

You can spend up to 2 hours at the centre in total.

Plan your route the day before. Check how long the trip takes at the same time of day as your test. Leave earlier than you think you need to.

Eat before you go. You cannot take your phone in to look at the time or a message, so tell the people who need to reach you when you will be back.

What happens at check-in?

Staff check your ID against your booking, and a photo is taken. If the ID is wrong, or you refuse the photo, you cannot take the test.

You leave your phone, watch and other devices in a locker before the test starts.

What should you do in the week before?

Take out your ID and read every detail on it. Compare it with the confirmation email.

If your ID is due to expire close to the test date, ask yourself whether it will still be valid on the day. If not, solve it now, because a renewal can take weeks.

Pack your bag the night before and keep the ID in a place where you cannot lose it. Walk through the trip in your head, from your front door to the centre.

What if you cannot go on the day?

You can cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before your test and get a refund. If you change or cancel later, you lose the fee.

If the centre cancels, you can ask for a refund within 3 months.

The booking helpline is 0800 015 4245, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. You can also write to [email protected].

Check yourself

Is the name on your ID the same as the name on your booking, letter for letter?

Is your ID an original, and is it still in date on the day of your test?

Do you know your arrival time and your route?

Have you left your phone, watch and notes out of your bag, or planned to use the locker?

The numbers on this page are read from gov.uk and the booking service and were checked on 22 October 2026.