Life in the UK Prep How much does the Life in the UK test cost?
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The Life in the UK test costs £50, paid online when you book through the official booking service. If you fail, you pay £50 again to retake it, so preparing properly is the cheapest option.
The Life in the UK test costs £50. You pay the fee online when you book through the official booking service, which you reach from GOV.UK.
What the fee covers
The £50 covers one attempt at the test at your chosen test centre. It doesn’t cover the handbook, practice materials or the ILR or citizenship application fee, which are all separate.
Refunds and cancellations
- Cancel at least 3 days before your test and you can usually get a refund.
- Miss your test, arrive too late, or bring ID that doesn’t match your booking, and you lose the fee.
Always double-check the name and ID on your booking before the day. See what to bring to the Life in the UK test.
The real cost of failing
If you fail, you pay £50 again for each retake, and you have to wait at least 7 days. Add travel and time off work, and failing once can easily cost more than £100. Preparing properly is the cheapest way to pass.
Beware of unofficial booking sites
Only book through the official service, starting from GOV.UK. Some websites charge extra to “book for you” or sell bundles. You don’t need them: the official service is simple and costs £50.
Other costs to budget for
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Life in the UK test | £50 |
| Official handbook | Optional; available in print and ebook |
| English language test (if needed) | Varies by provider |
| ILR or citizenship application | Several thousand pounds; see GOV.UK for current fees |
Fees can change. Always check the current amount on GOV.UK before you book.
Pass first time
Practise with our sample mock test and practice questions so you only pay the fee once.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Life in the UK test?
£50. You pay it online when you book through the official booking service.
Can I get a refund on the Life in the UK test?
You can usually get a refund if you cancel at least 3 days before your test. You won't get a refund if you miss the test or are turned away, for example because your ID doesn't match your booking.
How much does it cost to retake the Life in the UK test?
The full £50 again. There's no discount for retakes.
Is the Life in the UK test fee included in the ILR fee?
No. The £50 test fee is separate from the ILR or citizenship application fee.
This is general information, not immigration or legal advice. For advice about your own situation, speak to a regulated immigration adviser. Immigration rules change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.