How to book the Life in the UK Test and choose the correct ID

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Start with the official booking service

Access booking through Life in the UK on GOV.UK ↗. At the time of checking, the test costs £50 and must be booked at least three days ahead. You need an email address, payment card and accepted evidence of identity. Choose a centre with a realistic journey time rather than simply taking the first available date.

Save the confirmation email, centre address and instructions. If somebody else books for you, check the personal details yourself and ensure that you can access subsequent emails: a rescheduling or cancellation notice may arrive later.

eVisa and matching names

The current GOV.UK instructions say to use a share code for booking if you have an eVisa. Obtain it through your UKVI account using the link on the official page ↗. Your booking name must exactly match the identity evidence used for the booking. Do not choose a different spelling from an old document or translation.

If you cannot access your eVisa, the guidance lists alternative documents, including a valid passport and certain identity cards or travel documents. BRP/BRC use is subject to date limits: check the current rule immediately before booking. If you have no suitable evidence, use the UKVI contact route in the guidance before paying.

Prepare for your appointment

Follow your booking confirmation for the identification method you selected. If you booked with physical ID, take that same original: a copy or screenshot does not replace it. GOV.UK warns ↗ that incorrect ID or refusing a photograph means you cannot take the test and will not receive a refund. With an eVisa, check the booking's identity-verification instructions beforehand and obtain clarification from support if they conflict with the method selected.

You cannot bring children or other family members into the centre. Arrange childcare separately. Request necessary accessibility arrangements during booking so the centre can prepare.

Changes and results

If your plans change, follow the conditions of your booking and the official cancellations and refunds guidance ↗. Missing an appointment does not reschedule it: obtain confirmation of the new date or cancellation and keep it.

After passing, record your unique reference number for the settlement or citizenship application. If you fail, you may book again and pay again; first review what went wrong, including practical arrangements. Passing does not itself grant immigration status: the result is one piece of evidence in the relevant application.