How to Book the Life in the UK Test: Fee, ID & eVisa Guide

Book only through the official GOV.UK service. The test costs £50, must normally be booked online at least three days in advance, and requires identity details that exactly match your accepted evidence.

Quick facts

Official fee: £50
Book ahead: At least 3 days
Booking service: GOV.UK
Centres: More than 30
eVisa holders: Use a share code
Driving licence: Not accepted

Where should you book?

Always start at GOV.UK’s official booking page. The government describes it as the only official government booking service. LINUK provides preparation and mock tests; it does not book the official test.

Life in the UK Test account: register or log in

From GOV.UK, select “Start now” to reach the booking service. Its register or log in page lets a first-time candidate register and an existing candidate log in using their registered email and password. Use an email address you can access for confirmations and account recovery.

Official booking account: manages your official appointments and test results.
UKVI account: provides access to your eVisa and share code; it is not the test booking account.
LINUK account: saves independent preparation progress and mock results. It does not reserve an official exam or hold your official pass reference.

Forgotten password or missing official results

Open the official login page and choose reset your password.
Enter the email address you used to register. Check that inbox and its spam folder for the recovery message.
After signing in, use the results tab for official results and your reference number, as described in the booking service FAQ.
If access still fails or you cannot locate your booking, use the support contact on GOV.UK: support@lituk.psionline.com or 0800 015 4245. Check current opening hours on the official page.

Account recovery does not change or cancel your appointment. Resolve access issues with the official service before your test date; LINUK cannot reset that account.

What do you need to book?

These booking requirements come from the GOV.UK Life in the UK Test overview.

What you need to book the official test
Item	Requirement	Note
Email address	An email address for the booking	Use an inbox you can access for confirmations and account recovery.
Payment card	A debit or credit card	The official test fee is paid when booking.
Identity evidence	An accepted form of ID	Use an eVisa share code if you have an eVisa; check the current accepted-document rules otherwise.
Booking name	An exact match with your identity evidence	Check spelling, middle names and name order before paying.
Notice	Book online at least three days ahead	This is the general booking guidance on GOV.UK; appointment availability varies.
Test fee	£50	This is the official fee for the standard test booking.

Using an eVisa

If you have an eVisa, GOV.UK says to use a share code as proof of identity. Sign in to your UKVI account and select the option to prove your immigration status for another purpose.

What other ID can you use?

a valid passport
a valid identity card from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway
a valid photo travel document, excluding emergency travel documents
an expired BRP or BRC only where it satisfies the current time limits

A UK driving licence is not included in the current list.

Can you use an expired BRP or BRC?

In limited circumstances. Current guidance says the test must take place no later than 24 months after the date printed on the card, or by 31 December 2026, whichever comes first. Check GOV.UK again before relying on this transitional rule.

How to book step by step

Open the official GOV.UK service, and no other booking website.
Create or sign in to your booking account with an email address you can access.
Copy your identity details exactly as they appear on your evidence.
Search the live service for a test centre near you.
Choose a date that leaves you enough preparation time, at least three days ahead.
Pay the £50 fee and keep the confirmation email.

Before paying, take a full 24-question mock test and make sure your performance is comfortably above 75%.

Changing or cancelling

GOV.UK says you normally receive a refund when you cancel at least 72 hours before the test. A cancellation or rearrangement within three days normally does not receive a refund.

What to bring on test day

If you booked using a physical identity document, bring that same original document. Copies and screenshots are not accepted. If your identity can be checked through an eVisa, you do not need to show a physical document.

Common booking mistakes

using an unofficial booking website
assuming a driving licence is accepted
entering a name that differs from the identity evidence
relying on an expired BRP/BRC without checking the deadline
booking too close to an application deadline

Frequently asked questions

How do I log in to my Life in the UK Test account?

Start at GOV.UK and follow Start now to the official booking service. Choose Log In and use the email and password registered there. Your LINUK preparation account and your UKVI account are separate.

What if I forgot my booking account password?

Use reset your password on the official booking login page and enter the email address you registered with. If you still cannot access your booking, use the Life in the UK Test support details on GOV.UK.

How much does the Life in the UK Test cost?

The official test fee is £50 for each attempt.

How early do I need to book?

GOV.UK says you must book online at least three days in advance. Appointment availability varies by centre.

Can I use a UK driving licence?

No. A UK driving licence is not included in the current GOV.UK list of accepted identity documents for this test.

Can I use an eVisa?

Yes. Sign in to your UKVI account and generate a share code for proving your immigration status for another purpose.

Can I change or cancel my appointment?

Yes. A cancellation normally qualifies for a refund when made at least 72 hours before the test. Changes within three days normally do not receive a refund.

Official sources

Rules can change. Check the linked GOV.UK pages before booking a test or submitting an immigration or citizenship application.