Life in the UK Test: Government and the Law Practice Questions

UK citizenship test

The test

24 questions from a bank of 563, or pick one of the 18 numbered mock tests below. Answer, then move on; you can go back and change answers before you finish. Your result, and every answer explained, the moment you finish.

Study mode: practise one topic at a time and see the answer straight after each question. No clock.

Mock tests

Life in the UK mock tests 1 to 18

Each mock is a full 24-question test with a 45-minute clock and a pass mark of 18, in the same mix of topics as the real thing. Every mock has different questions, so you can work through them in order and keep track of your best score on each one. Your scores are saved on this device only.

The mocks draw on all 563 of Altto’s practice questions across the five topics of the official handbook. They are unofficial practice, written by Altto, and not the Home Office’s questions. If you would rather practise one topic at a time, use Study mode above, or go to British history, government and the law, a modern society, what is the UK or values and principles.

How to

How the Life in the UK test works

  1. 24 multiple-choice questions. Most have four possible answers and one is right. Some are true or false.
  2. 45 minutes. That’s nearly two minutes a question, so most people finish with time to spare.
  3. 18 right to pass. The pass mark is 75%. Get 17 or fewer and you fail.
  4. Five topics. British values and principles, what the UK is, its history, a modern society (traditions, sport, the arts) and government, the law and your role.
  5. Every answer explained. On this practice test you see which ones you got wrong, the right answer and why, straight after you finish.
At a glance

The real Life in the UK test: quick facts

What the official test that people take to settle in the UK or become British citizens involves.

Checked on GOV.UK

Questions
24 multiple-choice questions on British traditions and customs.
Time
45 minutes.
Pass mark
75%: at least 18 of the 24 answers right.
Cost
£50 each time you take it. Book online at least 3 days ahead.
Where
At one of more than 30 test centres around the UK, on a computer.
Who takes it
Most people applying for British citizenship or to settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain). You don’t need it if you are under 18, 65 or over, or have passed it before.
What to study
The official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). Only what is in the handbook is tested.
This practice test
Free, unofficial, with Altto’s own questions on the same topics. Not affiliated with the Home Office.
About the test

Could you pass the citizenship test if you were born here?

Most British people have never seen the questions, and many are surprised how hard they are. The test expects you to know things like the year of the Battle of Bannockburn, which saint’s day falls on 1 March, how many people sit on a jury in Scotland and who founded modern nursing. None of that comes up much in everyday life, which is why it makes such a good challenge to send to friends and family.

Historically about 7 in 10 people taking the real test have passed it. People who sit it usually study the handbook for weeks first.

What the questions cover

TopicExamples
Values and principlesDemocracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance, and the responsibilities and freedoms of living in the UK.
What is the UKThe four nations, capitals, patron saints and their days, the flags, Crown dependencies and overseas territories.
A long and illustrious historyFrom Stonehenge and the Romans to the Normans, the Tudors, the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution and the two world wars.
A modern, thriving societyReligion and festivals, sport, music, theatre, literature, food and famous places.
Government, the law and your roleParliament, elections, the courts, the police, devolved governments and how to take part in your community.

Is the test changing?

The government’s May 2025 Immigration White Paper proposed replacing the test with one focused more on British values and democratic principles, with a new handbook. As of late 2026 no new test or handbook has been published, so the real test is still based on the 3rd edition handbook. Check GOV.UK before you book.

Sources

Practice

Sample questions: Government and the law

12 of the 155 questions in this topic, with answers. Use Study mode above for the rest.

Government and the law

What type of government does the UK have?

  • A one-party state
  • A parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy
  • A presidential republic
  • An absolute monarchy

Answer: A parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The UK is a parliamentary democracy with the monarch as head of state.

Government and the law

Which Cabinet minister manages the UK’s relationship with foreign countries?

  • The Chancellor of the Exchequer
  • The Foreign Secretary
  • The Home Secretary
  • The Prime Minister’s spokesperson

Answer: The Foreign Secretary. The Foreign Secretary manages relationships with foreign countries.

Government and the law

How often must a general election be held in the UK?

  • At least every five years
  • Every ten years
  • Every three years
  • Every year

Answer: At least every five years. General elections are held at least every five years.

Government and the law

Where does the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) sit?

  • Cardiff Bay
  • Holyrood
  • Stormont
  • Westminster

Answer: Cardiff Bay. The Senedd (formerly the National Assembly for Wales) sits in Cardiff Bay.

Government and the law

How many people sit on a jury in England and Wales?

  • 10
  • 12
  • 15
  • 8

Answer: 12. A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has 12 members. In Scotland it has 15.

Government and the law

What are the police responsible for?

  • Collecting taxes
  • Deciding prison sentences
  • Making laws
  • Protecting life and property, keeping the peace and preventing and detecting crime

Answer: Protecting life and property, keeping the peace and preventing and detecting crime. The police protect life and property, prevent disturbances, and prevent and detect crime.

Government and the law

What must you have to drive a car on UK roads, in addition to a licence?

  • A National Insurance number
  • A TV licence
  • A passport
  • Insurance

Answer: Insurance. It is a criminal offence to drive without insurance. Older cars also need an MOT certificate every year.

Government and the law

At what age can children leave education or training in England?

  • 14
  • 16, with no further training
  • 18 (they must stay in education or training until then)
  • 21

Answer: 18 (they must stay in education or training until then). In England, young people must stay in education or training until 18. The school leaving age is different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Government and the law

What is a coalition government?

  • A government formed by two or more parties working together
  • A government led by the monarch
  • A government of civil servants only
  • A local government

Answer: A government formed by two or more parties working together. A coalition government is formed when no single party has an overall majority.

Government and the law

Which of these is part of the legislative process in the UK?

  • The Cabinet choosing judges
  • The House of Lords examining Bills
  • The Speaker writing laws alone
  • The police voting on laws

Answer: The House of Lords examining Bills. The House of Lords scrutinises and can suggest amendments to Bills.

Government and the law

What is a barrister?

  • A court officer
  • A lawyer who represents people in the higher courts
  • A local councillor
  • A police inspector

Answer: A lawyer who represents people in the higher courts. Barristers are lawyers who speak for clients in higher courts.

Government and the law

Which of these is a crime in the UK?

  • Applying for a passport
  • Attending a protest that is peaceful and legal
  • Driving without insurance
  • Taking a day off sick

Answer: Driving without insurance. Driving without valid insurance is a criminal offence.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are these the real Life in the UK “Government and the law” questions?
No. They are Altto’s own unofficial practice questions on the topics of the official handbook, not the Home Office’s questions. To sit the real test, book it on GOV.UK.
What does the “Government and the law” part of the Life in the UK test cover?
This practice topic covers how the UK is governed, Parliament, the courts, elections and your role as a resident.
How many “Government and the law” practice questions are there?
There are 155 free questions on this topic, each with an explanation. Study mode shows the answer straight after each one, with no clock.
Is it free?
Yes. No sign-up, no email and nothing to pay.
How do I practise the whole test?
Use the full mock test on the Life in the UK practice test page: 24 questions in 45 minutes with a pass mark of 18, like the real test.