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BritWise — Life in the UK Test Practice
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Chapter 1 · The values and principles of the UK

Life in the UK test questions on becoming a permanent resident

To settle in the UK or become a citizen you must normally pass the Life in the UK test and show that your English is good enough, usually at B1 level or above. Both requirements can be met in other ways: a degree taught in English can satisfy the language rule, and people aged 65 or over may not have to meet it at all. Questions here ask what the two requirements are and who is exempt from them.

Below are 8 free questions on becoming a permanent resident, taken from handbook section 1.3. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

Practise becoming a permanent resident

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Questions and answers on becoming a permanent resident

The same 8 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

  1. 1. Select the TWO things you must show to become a permanent resident of the UK.

    • That you can speak and read English — correct answer
    • That you understand life in the UK — correct answer
    • That you own property in the UK
    • That you were born in a Commonwealth country

    Applicants for permanent residence or citizenship must show that they can speak and read English and that they have a good understanding of life in the UK. Handbook section 1.3.

  2. 2. How many questions are asked in the official Life in the UK test?

    • 24 — correct answer
    • 18
    • 30
    • 45

    The official test asks 24 multiple-choice questions and lasts 45 minutes. You must answer at least 18 of them correctly to pass. Handbook section 1.3.

  3. 3. What score do you need to pass the official Life in the UK test?

    • 75 per cent, which is 18 correct answers out of 24 — correct answer
    • 50 per cent, which is 12 correct answers out of 24
    • 60 per cent, which is 15 correct answers out of 24
    • 100 per cent, with no wrong answers allowed

    The pass mark is 75 per cent. That means 18 correct answers out of the 24 questions asked. Handbook section 1.3.

  4. 4. How long do you have to complete the official Life in the UK test?

    • 45 minutes — correct answer
    • 30 minutes
    • 60 minutes
    • 90 minutes

    The test lasts 45 minutes. In that time you answer 24 multiple-choice questions on screen. Handbook section 1.3.

  5. 5. Where do the questions in the official Life in the UK test come from?

    • The official handbook for new residents — correct answer
    • Any general knowledge quiz book
    • News reports from the past year
    • A list published by each test centre

    Every question in the official test is based on the official handbook. Studying the whole handbook is the way to prepare for it. Handbook section 1.3.

  6. 6. Select the TWO correct statements about the official Life in the UK test.

    • It contains 24 questions — correct answer
    • It lasts 45 minutes — correct answer
    • It is marked by hand and returned after a month
    • It can be taken at home

    The test has 24 multiple-choice questions and lasts 45 minutes. It is taken and marked at a registered test centre, and you get the result the same day. Handbook section 1.3.

  7. 7. Where must you take the official Life in the UK test?

    • At a registered test centre you book in advance — correct answer
    • At home on your own computer
    • At any public library
    • At your local council office

    The test is booked online and taken at a registered test centre. You must bring the same identity document you used to book it. Handbook section 1.3.

  8. 8. Why must people settling in the UK show they can speak English and understand life here?

    • So they can take a full part in everyday life and in their community — correct answer
    • So they can be given a job by the government
    • So they can pay less tax
    • So they can vote in another country

    The language and knowledge requirements exist so that new residents can take a full part in everyday life, work and community life in the UK. Handbook section 1.3.

14 more questions on becoming a permanent resident

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