Life in the UK Test: free practice questions

Why this one is different

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These are real questions from our bank. Tap “Show answer” to see the explanation.

1. 1. What two things must you be able to show in order to apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK?

   1. That you can speak and read English, and that you have a good understanding of life in the UK
   2. That you can write fluent English, and that you have lived in the UK for ten years
   3. That you can speak English, and that you own property in the UK
   4. That you have a job offer in the UK, and that you can read English
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   Answer: A. That you can speak and read English, and that you have a good understanding of life in the UK

   The handbook sets out two requirements for anyone applying for permanent residence or citizenship: an ability to speak and read English, and a good understanding of life in the UK. The Life in the UK test and the ESOL course route both exist to prove these.

   Handbook section 1.2

2. 2. People in the UK on work visas, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points based system, normally have to do what in order to become permanent residents?

   1. Pass the Life in the UK test
   2. Complete an ESOL course in English with Citizenship
   3. Attend a citizenship ceremony before applying
   4. Live in the UK for at least fifteen years
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   Answer: A. Pass the Life in the UK test

   The handbook states that people here on work visas, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points based system, normally must pass the Life in the UK test to become permanent residents.

   Handbook section 1.2

3. 3. Taking an active part in the life of your local area reflects which of the fundamental principles of British life?

   1. Participation in community life
   2. Individual liberty
   3. The rule of law
   4. Democracy
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   Answer: A. Participation in community life

   Participation in community life is one of the five fundamental principles the handbook lists. The others are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

   Handbook section 1.3

4. 4. Select two responsibilities expected of those who wish to be permanent residents or citizens of the UK.

   Select two answers

   1. Respecting and obeying the law
   2. Treating others with fairness
   3. Voting in every election
   4. Learning Welsh or Scottish Gaelic
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   Answer: A. Respecting and obeying the law and B. Treating others with fairness

   Respecting and obeying the law and treating others with fairness are both on the handbook's list of responsibilities, together with respecting others' rights and opinions, looking after yourself and your family, and looking after your area and the environment.

   Handbook section 1.3

5. 5. Which parts of the handbook can the test questions be drawn from?

   1. All parts of the handbook, including the introductory chapter
   2. Only the chapters on history and government
   3. Only the sections marked 'Check that you understand'
   4. Every chapter except the introduction
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   Answer: A. All parts of the handbook, including the introductory chapter

   Questions are based on the whole book, and the handbook warns specifically that the introductory chapter is included. Everything needed to pass is contained within the handbook.

   Handbook section 1.4

6. 6. People living on the Isle of Man or in the Channel Islands follow different arrangements for taking the Life in the UK test.

   1. True
   2. False
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   Answer: A. True

   True. The handbook notes that separate arrangements apply to residents of the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, who are not covered by the ordinary network of about 60 UK test centres.

   Handbook section 1.4

7. 7. Under the rules coming in from October 2013, passing the Life in the UK test on its own is enough for settlement or permanent residence.

   1. True
   2. False
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   Answer: B. False

   False. From that date the two requirements apply together: you must pass the Life in the UK test AND separately produce acceptable evidence of English speaking and listening skills at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

   Handbook section 1.2

8. 8. Which of these statements is correct?

   1. New citizens pledge to uphold the UK's values as part of the citizenship ceremony
   2. New citizens pledge to uphold the UK's values at the moment they book the Life in the UK test
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   Answer: A. New citizens pledge to uphold the UK's values as part of the citizenship ceremony

   The pledge belongs to the citizenship ceremony, which comes at the end of the process, not to the booking or sitting of the test.

   Handbook section 1.3

Practise by chapter

The real test draws from all five chapters of the handbook. Chapter 3 (history) is the one most people lose marks on.

• 1 The values and principles of the UK 58 practice questions
• 2 What is the UK? 26 practice questions
• 3 A long and illustrious history 301 practice questions
• 4 A modern, thriving society 186 practice questions
• 5 The UK government, the law and your role 194 practice questions