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How to Book Your Life in the UK Test: Step by Step.

The Life in the UK test is booked at gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test, costs £50, requires at least 3 days' notice, and can be sat at one of 30+ approved UK test centres. This guide walks through the five steps from creating a gov.uk account to walking into the test centre — allow about 20 minutes for the booking itself, and book at least a week ahead.

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Before you start

You'll need:
  • Accepted ID — if you have an eVisa, GOV.UK asks you to book with a share code from your UKVI account. Otherwise a valid passport, an EU/EEA/Swiss national ID card, a travel document with a photo, or a BRP/BRC (within GOV.UK's date limits). Use the same ID on the day
  • An email address you check regularly (booking confirmation comes by email)
  • A debit or credit card for the £50 fee
  • Your home postcode (the system uses this to suggest nearby centres)
You can only book on the official site: gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. Any other site charging more is a scam.

Step 1 — Go to gov.uk and start the booking

Visit gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. Click "Start now". You'll be redirected to the booking portal hosted by the supplier that manages the test centres (currently PSI, the contracted test administrator).

Step 2 — Create a booking account

You'll be prompted to create an account on the test booking portal. This is separate from your UKVI account or your gov.uk Verify account — it's specific to the test supplier. Use your real name (must match your ID exactly) and an email you'll check. You'll get a verification email — click the link to confirm before continuing.

Step 3 — Choose your test centre and slot

Enter your postcode. The system shows test centres within ~25 miles, sorted by distance, with available dates and times. Major cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast) usually have slots within the same week. Smaller cities can have a 2–3 week wait. Pick a slot that gives you time to study — booking a test for tomorrow when you haven't studied yet is a £50 mistake.

Step 4 — Pay the £50 fee

Pay by debit or credit card. The £50 is charged immediately; you only get it back if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test. You'll get an email confirmation with your booking reference. Save this email — you'll need to show the booking reference at the test centre.

Step 5 — On the day

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring:
  • The same ID you booked with — original, not a copy, with a photo that looks like you
  • Your booking confirmation (printed or on your phone)
Leave behind: phones, smart watches, books, notes — anything that could store information. The centre provides a locker. Expect an ID check before you enter the exam room — wrong or missing ID means no test and no refund. The test itself takes 45 minutes; total time at the centre is usually around 75 minutes including security and admin.

After you pass

If you pass you get a unique reference number. You need this number to complete your citizenship or settlement application (GOV.UK), so save it with your other immigration documents.

Practise before you book

Don't pay £50 until you're scoring 18+ on practice tests. Take Test 01 and Test 02 for free, no sign-up. If you're scoring under 18, you're not ready — study more first.
Free progress tracking

Know when you're ready to pass

Every practice test you sit counts towards the real goal: 18 out of 24 (75%) on the day. See where your scores stand, how you compare with people who pass, and when you're ready to book.

  • Readiness against the pass mark.
  • A calendar that shows you're on track.
  • A leaderboard to keep you going.
Take a free test — see where you standSee the leaderboard

Free, no sign-up to start. A free account keeps your progress on every device.

FAQ

Common questions

How far in advance can I book?
Up to 3 months ahead at most centres, occasionally further. The booking system shows whatever slots the centre has loaded — typically 6–12 weeks of availability at any time.
How far in advance must I book?
At least 3 days before the test date — GOV.UK's minimum notice. The system won't let you book closer than that. Realistically, aim for at least 7 days ahead to get a slot you actually want.
Can I change my test date?
Yes. Cancel the test in your online account and book a new date. If you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test you get the £50 back; cancel or rearrange inside 3 days and you don't.
What if I can't find my ID on the day?
The test centre will refuse to admit you and you'll forfeit the £50. ID must be valid (not expired) and exactly match the name you used to book. No exceptions.
Can someone book the test on my behalf?
Yes, technically — the booking system doesn't verify who is at the keyboard. But the booking must be in your name and the card payment can be from anyone. Don't book on behalf of someone else without being sure you've used their exact ID details.
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