How to book the Life in the UK Test: step-by-step
Need to book the Life in the UK Test quickly—and get it right the first time? This step-by-step guide shows you how to book fast, avoid common mistakes, and prepare smart so you don’t risk delays or wasted fees.
We’ll cover eligibility, IDs, creating your GOV.UK account, a click-by-click booking walkthrough, reschedules and refunds, a fast-track timeline, and smarter prep using the Life in the UK Test App.
Before You Book: Eligibility, ID and Accounts
Before you book life in the UK test, confirm you truly need it, gather the correct ID and proofs, and make sure you can access the official booking system.
Check Eligibility for Citizenship or Settlement
You usually need to pass the Life in the UK Test for both citizenship (naturalisation) and settlement (ILR).
Exemptions: you do not need the test if you are under 18 or over 65, or if a long-term medical condition prevents you from passing (you’ll need a doctor’s letter) — see Citizens Advice guidance and the Home Office’s Form AN guidance.
Planning your path? Read our guides on how to get British citizenship and the ILR roadmap.
Gather Required ID and Proofs
Getting the ID right prevents cancellations at the test centre and lost fees.
Valid photo ID that exactly matches your booking details (name, date of birth). GOV.UK stresses the name must match exactly the ID used to book — no extra initials or missing middle names. See the official page: Life in the UK Test.
If you have an eVisa, you should book using a share code from your UKVI account: guidance on eVisa share codes.
Name changed? Bring supporting documents such as a marriage certificate, deed poll or divorce decree, and ensure your booking details match these exactly.
Proof of address dated within 3 months (e.g., council tax or utility bill, bank statement). Centres commonly ask for this on arrival to confirm your address: see guidance.
ID validity rule: your identity document must be current and valid, unless you’re using a Biometric Residence Permit/Card — in that case, the test must be no later than 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card (per Home Office guidance): ID validity guidance.
New to the test? Start with our plain-English explainer: What is the Life in the UK Test?
Create or Access Your GOV.UK Booking Account
Go to the official Life in the UK Test page.
Select Book Now and create your account with your email, password and phone number.
Verify your email (link) and phone (code) — save these details for login later.
Fill in your personal details exactly as shown on your ID.
How to Book Life in the UK Test Online
Here’s the quickest, safest way to book on GOV.UK from start to payment.
Go to the Official Booking Service
Always use the GOV.UK website to avoid unofficial agents and extra fees: gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. The test costs £50 and must be booked at least 3 days in advance of your test date.
Find and Choose Your Nearest Test Centre
There are 30+ test centres across the UK. Use the postcode search to compare distance and availability, then pick your preferred location on the booking portal: official list and booking.
Schedule Your Date and Time
Choose from available slots. The system shows days and times with capacity.
When to book: Mid-week morning slots are often quieter. If you’re in a hurry, check multiple nearby centres for earlier dates.
Remember the 3-day booking rule — you cannot book or move to a date within the next 72 hours.
Enter Details and Pay the Fee Securely
Confirm your personal details and ID selection (or eVisa share code).
Review your centre, date and time. Fix any name/ID mismatch now.
Pay the £50 fee using the secure checkout. Wait for the on-screen confirmation, then check your inbox for the confirmation email and reference number.
Snippet: 7 steps to book fast
Create/login to your account
Enter details exactly as on your ID
Search by postcode for your nearest centre
Pick the earliest suitable date/time
Confirm and pay £50 securely
Save your confirmation email + reference
Booking for Citizenship vs Settlement
The booking flow is the same, but make sure the test booking aligns with your planned application route.
Select the Correct Application Path
Citizenship (Naturalisation): You’ll usually take the test before submitting your application. Ensure you also meet residence rules (e.g., physical presence 5 years before the application is received): see Home Office guidance.
ILR (Settlement): The same test certificate is used. Take it early enough that you can include the pass notification with your ILR submission.
At-a-glance comparison
Route When to take the test Anything different when booking? Citizenship Before submitting your naturalisation application No — same GOV.UK process and fee Settlement (ILR) Before filing ILR so the pass is ready to include No — same GOV.UK process and fee
For deeper route guidance, see our explainers on citizenship and ILR.
After You Book: Confirmation, What to Bring, What Next
Booked? Great. Here’s how to secure your place on test day and avoid avoidable setbacks.
Understand Your Confirmation Email and Reference
Look for your booking reference number and test centre address.
Save the email as PDF and keep a screenshot on your phone.
Set calendar reminders for 7 days and 24 hours before your test.
Checklist for Test Day Documents
The exact ID you used to book (or your eVisa share code details). If you cannot prove your identity, you will not be allowed to take the test: see identity matching rule.
Proof of address (last 3 months), such as council tax/utility bill or bank statement: centre guidance.
Name change evidence if your legal name changed.
Be ready for a photo at the venue; refusal can forfeit your fee: test-day rules.
Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes early. Avoid bringing companions or children — most centres have no waiting areas: advice.
The test is 24 questions in 45 minutes on history, customs and traditions: official overview. For structured prep, see our method: Expert method for a first-time pass.
Changing Plans: Cancel or Reschedule the Test
Things change. Here’s how to move or cancel your booking without losing money unnecessarily.
Reschedule to a New Date or Centre
Sign in to your GOV.UK account and open your existing booking.
Choose Change to view alternative dates or centres.
Pick a new slot that’s at least 3 days ahead to avoid the late-change window.
Confirm changes and save the updated confirmation email.
Cancel and Refund Rules
Cancel at least 72 hours before your test date to get a refund of the £50 fee: refund guidance.
Cancelling within 72 hours typically forfeits the fee.
All changes and cancellations must be done through your GOV.UK account.
Common Booking Errors and How to Fix Them
Avoid these pitfalls that most often delay bookings or cause test-day refusals.
Name or Address Does Not Match ID
Open your booking and edit details to exactly match your ID (including middle names and punctuation) — GOV.UK confirms this rule.
If your name changed, upload/bring proof (marriage certificate, deed poll). Bring recent proof of address if requested at your centre.
Payment Declined or Timed Out
Retry with a different card or a different browser/private window.
Check your bank’s security prompts (3‑D Secure/OTP). Disable VPNs or ad blockers temporarily.
If a booking failed but your bank shows a pending authorisation, wait for it to auto-reverse or contact your bank before retrying.
Account Lockouts and Login Problems
Use the password reset link and verify email/phone again.
Clear cache or try a different device. If still locked out, contact the official service via the help link on your GOV.UK booking portal.
Booking Timeline and Fast-Track Checklist
Use this realistic plan to secure a slot quickly and stay on track from booking to test day.
Ideal Timeline From Today to Test Day
Today: Confirm eligibility. Gather ID, proof of address, name change docs. Create your GOV.UK account.
Day 1–2: Book the earliest suitable slot (remember the 3‑day rule). Start structured study.
Day 3–7: Daily practice using focused materials. Take your first full mock by Day 5.
Week 2: Refine weak topics; take two full mocks under timed conditions.
Week 3–4 (if needed): Final review; sit the test once mocks consistently show readiness.
Quick Booking Checklist
Exact name on booking = exact name on ID
Valid photo ID (or BRP/BRC rule) and proof of address
GOV.UK account verified (email + phone)
Nearest centre chosen; date ≥ 3 days from now
Paid £50; saved confirmation + reference number
Study plan + mock tests scheduled
Prepare Smarter After Booking
Once your date is set, focus on efficient, confidence‑building practice so you pass on the first attempt.
Build Daily Momentum With Brit-Bear and Readiness Score
The Life in the UK Test App turns the official handbook into daily, digestible lessons. The smart assistant “Brit‑Bear” nudges you to study, while a Readiness Score tracks real progress and highlights weak topics to prioritise.
Complete handbook content optimised for mobile micro‑learning.
Adaptive study so you never waste time on what you already know.
Goal‑based tracking to hit your target score before test day.
Realistic Practice: Hard Mode and Offline Access
650+ questions with explanations mirror real exam styles.
Mock tests + Hard Mode simulate pressure so the real thing feels familiar.
Offline access means you can study on the bus or during lunch breaks.
Practice strategies to boost your pass rate + a step-by-step plan: prepare for a first-time pass.
Get the app: Download on App Store: iOS • Get it on Google Play: Android
Booking FAQs
Can I book without a UK address?
You’ll be asked for an address when booking and most centres expect recent proof of address on test day (within 3 months). Use your current UK address as shown on official correspondence. If you’re between addresses, update documents first to avoid being turned away.
How soon can I retake if I fail?
You can rebook as soon as you’re ready and a slot is available. There’s no fixed waiting period stated on GOV.UK. You must pay the £50 fee each time: see Citizens Advice.
How far in advance should I book my test?
Book at least 3 days ahead (the minimum). For popular centres or tight timelines, aim for 1–2 weeks out and check multiple nearby centres for earlier availability: official booking.
Can I change my test centre after booking?
Yes. Log in to your GOV.UK account, open your booking and select Change. Move to another centre/date that’s at least 3 days away to avoid the late-change window.
What if I’m late to the test?
Centres may refuse late arrivals. Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes early with your ID and proof of address. If you miss your slot, you’ll likely need to rebook and pay again.
Is the test the same for citizenship and ILR?
Yes. It’s the same exam, booking process and £50 fee. The difference is how you use the pass result in your citizenship or ILR application.
Wrap-up: Book fast, avoid mistakes, pass with confidence
Use the official GOV.UK portal, match your booking details exactly to your ID, and plan for the 3-day rule. Follow the quick checklist, then practise with realistic mocks so the real test feels easy.
Ready to secure your pass? Download on App Store: iOS • Get it on Google Play: Android