Life in the UK Practice Test 46
Free Life in the UK practice test 46 of 52: 24 questions in the real exam format, drawn from all five chapters of the official handbook. The real test has 24 questions, a 45-minute limit and a pass mark of 18 out of 24 (75%). Tap an answer to check it instantly and read the explanation.
Question 1 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
The UK Supreme Court began its work in 2012.
The Supreme Court opened in October 2009, taking over the appeal role previously carried out by the Law Lords in the House of Lords.
Question 2 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Where does the UK Supreme Court sit?
The Supreme Court sits in the Middlesex Guildhall on Parliament Square in London, across the square from the Houses of Parliament.
Question 3 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Before the Supreme Court was created, final appeals in the UK were heard by senior judges sitting as part of which institution?
Until 2009, the highest court was the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords, whose judges were known as the Law Lords.
Question 4 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
In the legal system, what is the main role of a barrister?
Barristers are specialist advocates: they are usually instructed by solicitors to present and argue cases, particularly in the higher courts.
Question 5 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
What does a solicitor usually do for a client with a legal problem?
A solicitor is usually a client's first point of contact: they give legal advice, handle paperwork and prepare the case, calling in a barrister for advocacy if needed.
Question 6 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
What help does Citizens Advice offer to the public?
Citizens Advice is a charity that gives free, confidential and independent advice on people's rights and problems, including benefits, debt, housing and employment.
Question 7 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Citizens Advice is a department of the local council.
Citizens Advice is an independent, free service run largely by trained volunteers; it is not part of the local council, and nobody is charged for its advice.
Question 8 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
The Metropolitan Police, London's police force, was founded in which year?
The Metropolitan Police was founded in 1829 by the Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel, creating the first modern police force in Britain.
Question 9 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Why are British police officers sometimes nicknamed 'bobbies'?
The nickname 'bobbies' comes from Robert Peel's first name, shortened to 'Bob': Peel set up the Metropolitan Police in 1829, and its officers were also called 'peelers'.
Question 10 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Hansard, the official record of debates and proceedings in Parliament, takes its name from which of the following?
Hansard is named after the Hansard family, a firm of printers who first produced the official record of debates and proceedings in Parliament in the early 19th century. The name is still used for the published record today.
Question 11 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
A parliamentary candidate gets their election deposit back if they win at least 10% of the votes in their constituency.
The £500 deposit is returned to candidates who win 5% or more of the valid votes cast in their constituency; those below 5% lose it.
Question 12 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
On polling day in a UK general election, polling stations are open from 7am to 8pm.
Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on polling day, and anyone already in the queue at 10pm is still allowed to vote.
Question 13 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
At a general election, when does the counting of votes usually take place?
Counting begins as soon as ballot boxes arrive after polls close at 10pm, and most constituency results are declared during the night.
Question 14 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
If you will be away or cannot get to a polling station on election day, which TWO of these can you arrange in advance?
Choose TWO answers — select both to see the result
Voters who cannot attend in person can apply in advance for a postal vote, or appoint a proxy — a person they trust who votes on their behalf at their polling station. There is no voting a week early at the town hall, and voting by telephone is not available.
Question 15 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
What does 'collective responsibility' mean for members of the Cabinet?
Under collective responsibility, once the Cabinet has decided a policy, every minister must defend it publicly; a minister who cannot do so is expected to resign.
Question 16 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
How often does the Cabinet normally meet?
The Cabinet of senior ministers, chaired by the Prime Minister, normally meets once a week to discuss the government's main business.
Question 17 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
What is the Official Opposition in the House of Commons?
The Official Opposition is the largest party not in government; it questions the government, proposes alternatives and leads the criticism of government policy.
Question 18 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Local councillors are normally elected for a term of five years.
Councillors are normally elected for a four-year term, after which they must stand down or seek re-election.
Question 19 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Which TWO of these services are run by local councils?
Choose TWO answers — select both to see the result
Local councils run services such as collecting household waste and recycling, and they arrange social care and support for elderly and disabled people living at home. Issuing passports and running NHS hospitals are national responsibilities, not council services.
Question 20 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Who normally decides whether a planning application to build a new block of flats in a town can go ahead?
Local councils act as planning authorities and decide most applications to build or change the use of land and buildings in their area.
Question 21 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Arranging care and support for elderly and disabled people living at home is mainly the responsibility of which body?
Local councils run adult social care: they assess people's needs and arrange support such as home care for elderly and disabled residents.
Question 22 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
What does PAYE stand for in the UK tax system?
Under PAYE (Pay As You Earn), an employer takes income tax and National Insurance off an employee's wages or pension before paying them.
Question 23 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
The UK personal tax year runs from 1 January to 31 December.
The UK tax year for individuals runs from 6 April in one year to 5 April in the next, a pattern that dates back centuries.
Question 24 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
How often is a census of the population usually held in the UK?
A census — a survey counting and describing everyone in the country — is usually held every ten years, most recently in 2021 in most of the UK.
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