Life in the UK Test: A Modern Society 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: Modern society

12 of the 132 questions in this topic, with answers. Use Study mode above for the rest.

Modern society

What is the Church of England also known as in other countries?

  • The Anglican Church (Episcopal Church in Scotland and the USA)
  • The Methodist Church
  • The Presbyterian Church
  • The Roman Catholic Church

Answer: The Anglican Church (Episcopal Church in Scotland and the USA). The Church of England is called the Anglican Church in other countries, and the Episcopal Church in Scotland and the United States.

Modern society

Which festival, celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, is often called the festival of lights and celebrates the victory of good over evil?

  • Diwali
  • Easter
  • Eid al-Fitr
  • Vaisakhi

Answer: Diwali. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, normally in October or November, and lasts for five days. It is often called the festival of lights. A famous celebration is held in Leicester.

Modern society

What happens at 11.00 am on 11 November?

  • A two-minute silence to remember those who died in war
  • Bonfires are lit
  • Parliament opens
  • The King’s Christmas message is broadcast

Answer: A two-minute silence to remember those who died in war. On Remembrance Day there is a two-minute silence at 11.00 am, the time the First World War ended.

Modern society

How many times has London hosted the Olympic Games?

  • Four times
  • Once (2012)
  • Three times (1908, 1948 and 2012)
  • Twice (1948 and 2012)

Answer: Three times (1908, 1948 and 2012). London hosted the Olympic Games in 1908, 1948 and 2012.

Modern society

What are the Laurence Olivier Awards for?

  • Films
  • Music
  • Television
  • Theatre in London

Answer: Theatre in London. The Laurence Olivier Awards take place each year in London and celebrate theatre.

Modern society

What is the National Trust?

  • A bank
  • A charity that works to preserve important buildings, coastline and countryside
  • A government department for housing
  • A political party

Answer: A charity that works to preserve important buildings, coastline and countryside. The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three volunteers and now looks after many places of historic interest and natural beauty.

Modern society

Which London-born comic actor became world famous for silent films such as The Kid?

  • Alfred Hitchcock
  • Laurence Olivier
  • Peter Sellers
  • Sir Charlie Chaplin

Answer: Sir Charlie Chaplin. Sir Charlie Chaplin, born in London, became famous for silent films in Hollywood.

Modern society

What is the place of worship for Jewish people called?

  • A gurdwara
  • A mosque
  • A synagogue
  • A temple

Answer: A synagogue. A synagogue is a Jewish place of worship.

Modern society

What is the name of the annual summer horse-racing event in Berkshire attended by the Royal Family?

  • Royal Ascot
  • The Boat Race
  • The Derby
  • The Grand National

Answer: Royal Ascot. Royal Ascot is a famous horse racing event, held in June.

Modern society

Which composer wrote the opera Peter Grimes?

  • Benjamin Britten
  • Edward Elgar
  • George Frideric Handel
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

Answer: Benjamin Britten. Benjamin Britten wrote Peter Grimes, which is set in a fishing village on the Suffolk coast.

Modern society

Who wrote the detective novels featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple?

  • Agatha Christie
  • Dorothy L. Sayers
  • P. D. James
  • Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Answer: Agatha Christie. Agatha Christie is one of the best-selling novelists of all time.

Modern society

What is the Royal Albert Hall used for?

  • Concerts and events, including the Proms
  • Horse racing
  • Meetings of Parliament
  • The royal family’s main home

Answer: Concerts and events, including the Proms. The Royal Albert Hall in London hosts concerts such as the BBC Proms.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are these the real Life in the UK “Modern society” 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 “Modern society” part of the Life in the UK test cover?
This practice topic covers modern British society: culture, sport, traditions, places and everyday life.
How many “Modern society” practice questions are there?
There are 132 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.