PayPal - eBay's service to make fast, easy and secure payments for your eBay purchases.

Life in the UK FAQ

Welcome Guest
you are here - home | FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are the questions the same in every test?

The 24 questions are different every time, but they always include questions from most of the sections of all chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the book Life in the United Kingdom.

2. If I pass a NewUKtest test questions will I get a certificate?

NO, NewUKtest is only used for practising the UK Life in the UK test. The NewUKtest practice and guidance will prepare you for sitting the UK Life in the UK test.

3. If I pass a NewUKtest test will I pass the UK Life in the UK test?

No, passing a NewUKtest does not mean that you always pass the UK Life in the UK test, but if you easily pass several NewUKtest practice tests then you have a very good chance of passing the real test.

4. How do I prepare for the Life in the UK test?

Firstly, you need to purchase and study the handbook Life in the United Kingdom. Secondly, we suggest that you take a number of practice tests here on NewUKtest. You should feel comfortable about answering all questions. If you find understanding the questions difficult, then look at our guidance on understanding the questions.

5. What do I need to learn before taking the test?

You will be tested on chapters 2 to 6 of the handbook Life in the United Kingdom.

6. Do I need take any identification with me to the Life in the UK test?

Yes, you will need to confirm your identity with one of these documents:

  • a passport (from your country of origin)

  • UK photocard driving licence, full or provisional

  • one of the following Home Office travel documents: a Convention Travel Document (CTD), a Certificate of Identity Document (CID) or a Stateless Person Document (SPD)

  • an Immigration Status Document, endorsed with a UK Residence Permit and bearing a photo of the holder

You will also be asked for your postcode at the test centre, so you may wish to bring along something that contains this information.

7. Is NewUKtest the official site of the United Kingdoms Immigration and Nationality Directorate?

No, NewUKtest is a learning programme to help you pass the test.

8. Are the questions the same in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

There will be several different questions if you apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

9. I cannot read English, can I still take the test?

Yes, you can take the test by hearing the questions. The computer program will speak the questions and the different answers that you can choose.

10. Is there a fee for sitting the test?

Yes, everyone sitting the test will be required to pay a fee, £34 which will rise in until April 2007. This amount is payable before you take the test.

11. Can I change the date of my test?

Yes, test centres will allow a change, but you may have to wait a month or more and pay again.


13. If I pass the Life in the UK test, will I still have to prove my knowledge of English to ESOL Entry Level 3?

No, the Life in the UK test is at ESOL Entry Level 3 and applicants who pass the test show that they have the required level of ability in English.

14. I do not have internet access at home. What can I do?

If you are in England contact UK online on 0800 77 1234 for details of local centres providing computer and internet access, or else contact your local library or Citizen's Advice Bureau for information on free access to computers.

15. I have never used a computer before! Do I have to take the test on computer?

Yes, the test must be completed on a computer at the one of the test centres. Using a computer is not difficult, and the NewUKtest practice tests are just like the real ones.

16. What is the pass mark for the test?

The pass mark will generally be in the region of 75%. The passmark is higher if there are more True/False or Binary Questions, and at NewUKtest we change the passmark in the same way. Most questions are always Multiple Choice or Multiple Match. See question types.

17. Who has to take the test?

Anyone from age 18 to 65 who is applying for permanent settlement (without conditions - indefinite leave to remain) will have to take the test, unless you have very little English and want to do an ESOL Citizenship course instead. You also need to take the test for naturalisation as a British citizen, if you have not already done so for settlement. A few people with physical or mental impairments need not take the test or the course.

18. What is the purpose of ESOL citizenship classes?

ESOL citizenship classes are aimed at improving your English and learning more about Life in the UK. Contact your local further education college or adult learning centre to find out more about ESOL and citizenship classes, or use the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800 0154245.

19. I am not sure what my level of English is, what should I do?

Your local further education college can give you an assessment or you can call Learndirect on 0800 0154245.

20. Do I have to take the test in English?

Yes, currently the test is available in English in England and Northern Ireland but you can instead take it in Welsh and Scottish Gaelic if you live in Wales or Scotland respectively. The test will not be made available in any other language but there are leaflets with some of the information in Life in the UK in 15 languages.

21. When should I take the test?

You should take the test when you are easily passing your practice tests.

22. Can I take the test after applying for settlement or citizenship in the UK?

No, you will need to take and pass the test before submitting your application form as your pass notification letter from the Life in the UK test centre will need to be attached to your application form and send to the Home Office.

23. Where can I find more information about the test?

You can find more information about the test at the www.lifeintheuk.gov.uk site..

24. Where can I take the test?

You can take the test at one of the 50 test centres.

25. How do I book a test?

Contact your nearest test centre during office hours by telephone or in person.

26. How much will the test cost and when do I pay for it?

The fee is £34 up to April 2007, and this will need to be paid before you take the test.

27. Do test centres help people who are disabled – for example blind or unable to use a computer mouse?

When booking your test, please tell the supervisor if you are blind or cannot see well, or if you find it hard to use a keyboard and mouse.

28. How do I get help using a computer?

Contact UK online on 0800 77 1234. UK online centres aim to provide everyone in England with access to computers near to where they live, as well as advice on using them. Search for a centre.

29. What will happen when I arrive at the test centre?

On arrival at the test centre, the test supervisor will check your photographic ID followed by the recording of your date of birth, full name, nationality, country of birth and postcode. At this point you will be required to pay for your test. Once settled in, you will be logged on to a computer and advised that you have 45 minutes to complete the test. You will also have time to complete a practice test before doing the Life in the UK test.

30. How many questions are there? How long does the test last?

There are 24 questions and you have 45 minutes to answer them. This gives you enough time to choose your answers and check them again before submitting the test.

31. When can I get my results?

You will get your results as soon as you have finished the test. The test supervisor will tell you if you have passed or failed.

32. Will I get a certificate if I pass?

No. If you are successful, you will be given a letter called a "pass notification letter".

33. How many times can I re-sit the test if I fail?

You can re-sit the test as many times as you like, there is no limit. It is better that you study the book some more and try more NewUKtest practice tests before taking the test again.

34. Are the questions here on the NewUKtest website exactly the same as you would get in the Life in the UK test?

Like the UK test, NewUKtest questions are based on chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the handbook Life in the United Kingdom. NewUKtest aims to prepare you for the test by using exactly the same question types and exactly the topics and the same kind of language as the test.

35. What happens after I have completed my Paypal payment?

On completion of your payment, you can log in and take as many practice. NewUKtest tests as you like. You may also view full details of your transaction at www.paypal.com..

36. Do I have to have a Paypal account?

No, Paypal no longer requires that you open an account with them to make a purchase. A single transaction is now possible through Paypal.