What to Expect on Test Day

A step-by-step guide to the day of your Life in the UK Test — from arriving at the centre to receiving your result.

Before you leave home

Bring accepted photo ID
You must bring a valid passport or biometric residence permit (BRP). Other forms of ID are not accepted. If you arrive without valid ID, you will not be allowed to sit the test and will lose your £50 fee.
Arrive early
Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. If you are late, you may be turned away. Check the test centre address carefully the day before — some town and city centres have several similar-sounding locations.
Leave your phone and notes at home (or in your car)
You cannot bring a phone, notes, a dictionary, or any other materials into the test room. You will be asked to leave belongings in a locker or with reception. Save yourself the hassle and travel light.

Check in at reception
Give your name and present your ID. Staff will verify your identity and confirm your booking. You may be asked to sign in.
Store your belongings
Personal items — bags, phones, coats — must be stored before you enter the test room. Most centres provide a locker or a supervised area.
Wait to be called
You will wait briefly until a test station becomes available. Test centres run sessions throughout the day and the wait is usually short.

You will be seated at a computer
The test is entirely computer-based. A member of staff will show you to your station and explain how to use the interface. It is straightforward — you select your answer by clicking on it.
24 questions, 45 minutes
The test presents 24 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes in total — just under two minutes per question. A timer is displayed on screen. Most people finish well within the time limit.
You can review and change answers
You can navigate freely between questions and change your answers before submitting. Use this to flag questions you are unsure about and return to them at the end.
No one can help you
The test is invigilated. You cannot ask staff for help with questions. You must not communicate with other candidates. If you have a genuine emergency, raise your hand.

Your result appears immediately
As soon as you submit, the screen shows whether you have passed or failed. You do not have to wait for a result.
If you pass
You will be given a pass notification letter before you leave. Keep this safe — you will need it for your visa or citizenship application. The letter does not expire.
If you do not pass
You will receive a letter confirming you did not pass. It will not show your score or which questions you answered incorrectly. You can rebook and retake the test immediately — there is no mandatory waiting period — but you will need to pay the £50 fee again.

Take a free timed mock exam to see how you would score — 24 questions, 45 minutes, same pass mark as the real test.