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The handbook, in plain words.

Our own chapter-by-chapter notes on everything the test covers — 5 chapters, 43 short sections, the key facts to remember, and 797 practice questions linked to the section they come from. In English and 繁體中文.

Chapter 1

The values and principles of the UK

What British society is built on, what is expected of everyone who lives here, and how the Life in the UK Test fits into becoming a permanent resident or citizen.

  • 1.1Fundamental values, responsibilities and freedoms
  • 1.2Becoming a permanent resident and the test
2 sections · 16 linked questionsRead
Chapter 2

What is the UK?

The four nations, the difference between 'Great Britain' and 'the UK', and the islands and territories linked to the UK but not part of it.

  • 2.1The four nations and linked territories
1 section · 17 linked questionsRead
Chapter 3

A long and illustrious history

From the first hunter-gatherers to the coalition government of 2010 — the people, battles, laws and turning points the test asks about most.

  • 3.1Early Britain: Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages
  • 3.2The Romans
  • 3.3Anglo-Saxons and Vikings
  • 3.4The Norman Conquest (1066)
  • 3.5The Middle Ages: war at home and abroad
  • 3.6The Black Death, Magna Carta and early Parliament
  • 3.7A national identity and the Wars of the Roses
  • 3.8The Tudors and the Reformation
  • 3.9Elizabethan exploration and Shakespeare
  • 3.10The Stuarts, the Civil War and the republic
  • 3.11The Restoration and the Glorious Revolution
  • 3.12Constitutional monarchy, Union and the Enlightenment
  • 3.13The Industrial Revolution, trade and the slave trade
  • 3.14America, war with France and the Union Flag
  • 3.15The Victorian age
  • 3.16The right to vote and the future of the Empire
  • 3.17The First World War and the partition of Ireland
  • 3.18The inter-war years and the Second World War
  • 3.19Britain since 1945
  • 3.20Great British inventions of the 20th century
20 sections · 315 linked questionsRead
Chapter 4

A modern, thriving society

Life in the UK today — its places and people, religions and festivals, sport, the arts, leisure and the landmarks worth visiting.

  • 4.1The UK today: nations, cities, money and people
  • 4.2Religion and patron saints
  • 4.3Festivals, traditions and bank holidays
  • 4.4Sport
  • + 5 more sections
9 sections · 258 linked questionsRead
Chapter 5

The UK government, the law and your role

How the UK is governed, how elections and the courts work, the laws that affect everyday life, and how you can play your part in the community.

  • 5.1Democracy, the constitution and the monarchy
  • 5.2Parliament and elections
  • 5.3The government, parties and local councils
  • 5.4Devolved governments and the media
  • + 7 more sections
11 sections · 191 linked questionsRead

These notes are our own summaries to help you revise. The test is based on the handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), which describes the UK as it was when it was written — read it too. The test itself is taken in English.