How to book the Life in the UK test – ID, fee and cancellations

You book the Life in the UK test online through GOV.UK. GOV.UK says its booking page is the only official government service for booking the test – be careful with other websites that offer to book it for you.

We are not involved in booking. This site and our app help you study. To book, go to the official booking page on GOV.UK.

What you need to book

According to GOV.UK, you need all of the following:

• an email address
• a debit or credit card to pay the £50 fee
• an accepted form of ID

The name you give when you book must exactly match the name on the ID you use. A different spelling or a missing middle name can stop you taking the test.

Accepted ID

If you have an eVisa (a digital record of your identity and immigration status), GOV.UK says you should book with a share code. You get the share code by signing in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

If you do not have an eVisa, or cannot access it, you can use one of these:

• a valid passport
• a valid ID card from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway
• a valid travel document with a photo (not an emergency travel document)
• a biometric residence permit (BRP) or biometric residence card (BRC) – 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 ID must have a photo that looks like you. If you have none of these documents, GOV.UK advises contacting UKVI for help.

When and where

• Book at least 3 days in advance.
• There are over 30 test centres in the UK, and you choose one when you book.
• If you have a disability, you can make special requests when you book – for example extra equipment or help getting into the centre.

Cancelling or rearranging

You can cancel or rearrange your test through your Life in the UK account.

• Cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test and the £50 is refunded to the card you paid with.
• Cancel or rearrange within 3 days of the test and you do not get a refund.
• If the test centre cancels, you can ask for a refund within 3 months of the test date.

You cannot get a refund if you brought the wrong ID, were ill, were late, did not bring the right documents or refused to have your photo taken. That makes it worth reading what happens on the day before you go.

Help with your booking

GOV.UK lists the Life in the UK Test Helpline, run by PSI, for help with bookings: telephone 0800 015 4245, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, or email support@lituk.psionline.com. Check the GOV.UK booking page for the latest contact details.

Book when you are ready

The fee is paid again every time you rebook, so it is worth booking once you are consistently passing mock tests. A good rule of thumb is to book when you score well above the pass mark of 18 out of 24 on several full mock tests in a row. Try our free practice questions to see where you are.