How to Book the Life in the UK Test
You book the Life in the UK test online, on GOV.UK, at least 3 days in advance. It costs £50, and you take it in person at an official test centre — there are over 30 across the UK.
The booking itself takes a few minutes. The details below are what you need ready before you start, and the rules that catch people out.
Book only through GOV.UK
The only official booking route is the 'Life in the UK Test' service on gov.uk. Some unofficial websites appear in search results and charge extra fees for 'help' with booking, or sell practice material priced to look like an official charge. The real test costs £50, paid directly in the official booking, and nothing else.
Ready for UK is an independent practice site and has no connection to the booking process — we say this plainly because knowing what is official protects you from sites that blur it.
What you need to book
Three things: an email address, a debit or credit card for the £50 fee, and an accepted form of ID. You choose a test centre during booking — over 30 exist, and you are shown the ones near you.
The name on your booking must exactly match the name on the ID you will bring. This rule is strict: if the names do not match, you can be turned away on the day and you do not get a refund.
Which ID is accepted
GOV.UK accepts: a valid passport; a valid identity card from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway; a valid travel document with a photo (but not an emergency travel document); a biometric residence permit or card; or an eVisa share code.
If you use a biometric residence permit or card, check the dates: GOV.UK says your test must be no later than 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card, or before 31 December 2026, whichever comes first.
The 3-day rules — booking and refunds
You must book at least 3 days ahead — you cannot book a test for tomorrow. The same 3-day period governs refunds: you get your £50 back if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before your test. Cancel or rearrange later than that, and the fee is lost.
There is also no refund if you arrive late or bring the wrong ID. If your test date is at risk — travel, work, childcare — rearrange early rather than hoping the day works out.
Booking under time pressure
If your visa application has a deadline, do not book the test at the last possible date. If you fail, you will need to book again — at least 3 days ahead, at whatever appointment slots your local centres have free. Leave enough room for a second attempt.
The better plan is to book once, prepared: practise until you consistently score above 20 out of 24, then book with confidence.