The test is still set from the third edition of the handbook, published in 2013. Some of what it says has changed since. For these facts you need two answers: the one in the book, which is what the test is written from, and the one that's true today.
Last reviewed
The book says
Written while Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne, so it talks about the Queen, prints the national anthem as "God Save the Queen" and gives the oath of allegiance to her.
Today
King Charles III has been the monarch since 8 September 2022. The anthem is now "God Save the King", and new citizens swear allegiance to the King.
In the test
The monarch's role hasn't changed, so what the book says about it still holds.
The book says
Calls it the Welsh Assembly, or the National Assembly for Wales.
Today
It was renamed in 2020 and is now the Senedd, or Welsh Parliament.
In the test
Expect the book's name. An answer that says Welsh Assembly means the Senedd.
The book says
Gives the UK population as just over 62 million, a 2010 figure.
Today
The ONS estimated it at about 68 million in mid-2023.
In the test
Learn the book's figures. The test is set from them, not from the latest estimate.
The book says
Describes the UK as a member of the European Union.
Today
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020.
In the test
When the UK joined, in 1973, is still fair game. Treat anything about being a member now as out of date.
The book says
Says you have to be 18 to vote.
Today
Still 18 for UK general elections, but 16 and 17 year olds can now vote in Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections.
In the test
18 is the answer for a general election, which is what the book is talking about.
The book says
Lists taxation among the powers kept by the UK government.
Today
Under the Scotland Act 2016 the Scottish Parliament sets income tax rates and bands in Scotland.
In the test
Go with the book's list of powers the UK government keeps.
The book says
Calls it the Man Booker Prize, for novels by authors from the Commonwealth, Ireland or Zimbabwe.
Today
It has been called the Booker Prize since 2019, and since 2014 any novel written in English and published in the UK can win.
In the test
Recognise it by either name, and give the book's answer if a question asks who can win.
The book says
Names the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for England and Wales.
Today
The IPCC was replaced by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in January 2018.
In the test
Know that complaints can go to an independent body, and recognise the IPCC's name.
The book says
Calls the national park in north Wales Snowdonia, and its highest peak Snowdon.
Today
The park now uses its Welsh names, Eryri for the park and Yr Wyddfa for the mountain, though the English names are still common.
In the test
Use the book's names.
The questions in our practice tests follow the book. Where the book has fallen behind, the answer comes with a note saying what has changed, so you learn both versions without mixing them up.