The Life in the UK handbook: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents

Which edition?

The 3rd edition, first published in 2013, has been used for tests since 25 March 2013. TSO keeps reprinting it with small updates. The latest list of changes is dated 5 January 2026.

If you buy a used copy, make sure it says 3rd edition. Some older copies, and the audio version, still have sections on the EU and the late Queen that are out of date. TSO says you won’t be asked about those parts.

What’s inside

History is the biggest chapter, and it’s full of dates and names. Government and the law come close behind.

• The values and principles of the UK
• What is the UK?
• A long and illustrious history: from early Britain to the present day
• A modern, thriving society: religion, festivals, sport, arts and leisure
• The UK government, the law and your role

Is there a free PDF?

Not legally. The handbook is Crown copyright and sold by TSO, including as a paid PDF and eBook. Free PDFs you find online aren’t official and may be out of date. Your local library may have a copy you can borrow.

Official extras

TSO also sells an Official Study Guide, a book of Official Practice Questions and Answers, and an official practice app. These help you practise, but TSO says the practice questions are not the real test questions. Use them with the handbook, not instead of it.

How to study it

Read one chapter at a time, then test yourself on it before you move on. Make a list of the dates and names you keep forgetting and go over it every day. Pay special attention to the differences between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They come up a lot.