Table Of Contents
- What is the Life in the UK test
- Who needs to take the Life in the UK test
- Who is exempted from the Life in the UK test
- When and how do I apply for the test
- What do I need to bring to the test center
- What can I not bring to the test center
- How much does the test cost
- How do I prepare for the test
- What happens if I pass the test
- What if I fail the test
- How long is the test valid
- Can I take the Life in the UK test in other languages
- Conclusion
What is the Life in the UK test?
The Life in the UK test is a prerequisite test for anyone looking to apply for settlement or acquire British citizenship through naturalization. This is an online test that consists of 24 multiple- choice questions related to British history, culture, traditions, values, and daily life. The duration of the course is 45 minutes, and you have to score at least 75%, i.e., answer 18 questions correctly, to pass the test. You get the result soon after you finish the test. You should answer all 24 questions because there is no negative mark for wrong answers.
Who needs to take the Life in the UK test?
Anyone aged 18 to 65 looking to apply for indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship has to undergo the Life in the UK test. Only in certain circumstances do you not need to pass it where you are exempted from it, such as if you have a medical condition that restricts you from taking the test.
Who is exempted from the Life in the UK test?
If you are one of the following, you don’t need to take the Life in the UK test:
- Aged under 18 or over 65;
- Have passed the test before as part of the ILR application; or
- Have a long-term physical or mental condition.
If you have a physical or mental condition, you must provide either an exemption form or a letter from a doctor that confirms your medical condition.
When and how do I apply for the test?
This is another common and important FAQ about the Life in the UK test. You must apply at least 3 days in advance. You must apply online. You can book the test only through the GOV.UK, the government’s official website. There are over 30 centers across the country for conducting the test. You are given a choice of choosing from 5 test centers closest to your address. You can select one of them while booking the test. Test centers are subject to change. You need to have an email ID, a debit or credit card for payment, and a valid ID to apply for the test.
The name you enter when booking the test must match exactly the name on your ID used to book. This must include middle names. If the names on the test booking and ID do not match, you will not be allowed to take the test, and you will also not get a refund.
What do I need to bring to the test center?
You will need to bring the same photo identification you used when you made the test booking. If you do not bring it, you will not be able to take the test and will not get a refund. You should also bring recent address proof not older than 3 months before your test date. You can bring a council tax or utility bill or your photographed driving license as an address proof document.
You will need to consent to having your photograph taken before taking your test; you will not be able to take the test without this.
What can I not bring to the test center?
You should not bring any family members, as there is no facility such as a waiting room for them to stay in for the duration of your test.
You are not allowed to bring the following into the test room:
- Notes or bags or any other written material
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones
- Wristwatches
You can store these items in lockers available at the center.
How much does the test cost?
The Life in the UK test costs £50. You can cancel or rearrange your test after you have booked. If you cancel your booking before 72 hours of the actual test time, you will be refunded £50. The £50 fee will be refunded to the card you used to book the test. If you cancel or rearrange after 72 hours from the test time, you will not get a refund. You can then book a test on another date.
You can also ask for a refund within 3 months of the test date if the test center cancels the exam. If you fail to attend the test, no refunds are provided. You will need to rebook the test and pay the fee again. Also, if you don’t arrive for the test in the time given by the Home Office, you will not be allowed to take the test. You will not get a refund in this case, and you will have to rebook the test and pay the test fee again.
How do I prepare for the test?
This is one of the key FAQs about the Life in the UK test. You want to pass the test on your first attempt. This is why you should prepare for it in advance. There is only one official handbook from the Home Office published by the TSO. You should prepare for the test by reading this handbook.
The handbook includes materials containing
- The process of becoming a British citizen or acquiring settlement
- The values and principles, traditions, and culture of the UK
- The UK’s history—people and events that shaped the country
- The government and the law
- Daily Life in the UK
You should read and practice the handbook as many times as possible to enhance your chances of passing the test on the first attempt.
What happens if I pass the test?
As you know, passing the Life in the UK test is mandatory in most cases to be eligible to apply for ILR or British citizenship. So, if you pass the Life in the UK test, you meet one key eligibility criterion.
If you pass the test, you get a ‘unique reference number’. You need to use this number while applying for ILR or naturalization. The Home Office will use this number to ensure that you have passed the test.
What if I fail the test?
This is often asked FAQs about the Life in the UK test. For your information, if you fail the test, you need to rebook and appear for the test. You can book the test as many times as you need. You will not be refunded the Life in the UK test cost each time you fail, and you have to pay the cost each time you book it.
How long is the test valid?
If you have passed the test and got a unique reference number, this will not expire. You can use it for both ILR and citizenship applications. However, you should keep a record of your unique reference number in case you need to rely on this for future applications. Those who passed the test before 17 December 2019 would have gotten a printed pass notification letter with a ‘test reference ID’ instead of a unique reference number. Only one copy of the letter was given, and there is no replacement to it. However, if you lost it you should explain it in the application.
Can I take the Life in the UK test in other languages?
No. You cannot take the Life in the UK test in any other language. The test is taken only in the English language.
Conclusion
The Life in the UK test is taken to assess if you understand the country, its traditions, history, law, etc. It is taken to ensure that you have immersed yourself in the UK’s daily life and you are eligible to be a citizen or permanent resident of the country. You should prepare well for the test and take care of the facts mentioned above.
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