The Life in the UK handbook – all 5 chapters explained
Everything in the Life in the UK test comes from one book: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. GOV.UK says you will only be tested on information from this official guide. It is sold as a book, an eBook and in audio formats through the official shop linked from GOV.UK.
The handbook has five chapters. Here is what each covers and how to study it.
Chapter 1: The values and principles of the UK
A short introduction to the fundamental principles of British life – democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and participation in community life – and the responsibilities that come with living in the UK. It also explains becoming a permanent resident and taking the Life in the UK test.
How to study it: Short and easy to read. Learn the list of values and responsibilities well – they come up in questions.
Chapter 2: What is the UK?
Explains what the United Kingdom is: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, how they relate to Great Britain and the British Isles, and the Crown dependencies and overseas territories.
How to study it: Very short. Make sure you know the difference between the UK, Great Britain and the British Isles.
Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history
The longest chapter, from early Britain through the Middle Ages, the Tudors and Stuarts, Britain as a global power, the 20th century and Britain since 1945. It covers kings and queens, wars, inventions, and important people in science, politics and the arts.
How to study it: Allow the most time here. Study it in parts – one period at a time – and practise questions after each. Make your own timeline of key dates.
Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society
Everyday life in the UK today: population and regions, religion, customs and traditions, festivals, sport, arts and culture, leisure and places of interest.
How to study it: Lots of lists – festivals and their dates, famous sports events, writers, composers and landmarks. Practice questions help a lot here.
Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role
How the UK is governed: the development of British democracy, Parliament, the government, devolved administrations, the UK’s role in international institutions, the courts, the police, your rights and responsibilities, and how to play a part in your community.
How to study it: Learn how institutions fit together – who makes laws, who enforces them, which courts deal with which cases. Many questions are about numbers (ages, terms, members).
Study the handbook with practice questions
Reading alone is not enough – the test asks you to recall exact facts. After each chapter, answer questions on it. Our app has the complete handbook chapter by chapter and 1,270+ practice questions, and Premium translates the whole handbook into 13 languages. Start with our free practice questions or follow our study plan.
Handbook content in our app is based on “Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents – 3rd Edition” (© Crown copyright), reproduced under the Open Parliament Licence for study purposes.
Frequently asked questions
Which edition of the Life in the UK handbook do I need?
The test is based on Life in the United Kingdom - A Guide for New Residents. The current edition is the 3rd edition. GOV.UK links to the official shop where it is sold as a book, eBook and audio.
Which chapter of the handbook is the hardest?
Most people find Chapter 3, the history chapter, the hardest because it is the longest and has the most dates and names.
Practise on your phone
Citizenship Prep has 1,270+ practice questions, 40 practice tests,13 mock tests that work like the real exam and the complete study handbook. Premium translates every question and the whole handbook into 13 languages.
Android version coming back to Google Play soon