Life in the UK Test

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You need to take the Life in the UK Test if you are applying for indefinite leave to remain. This test is taken once and is valid for life. It is required in applications for naturalisation as a British citizen but you don’t have to take it second time if you passed it before applying for ILR.

EU nationals do not have to take the Life in the UK test if they are applying for settlement or indefinite leave to remain under the EU settlement scheme, but they still need it in applications for naturalisation.

Children who became settled in the UK but were not registered as British citizens will have to take the Life in the UK test if they apply for naturalisation after turning 18.

Life in the UK test is a computer based multiple-choice test which contains 24 questions, and which aims to test the applicant’s knowledge of life in the United Kingdom. The test covers topics such as British values, principles, traditions, culture, government, law and the events that shaped British history.

Cost & Location

How to book

Exemptions

Preparation

Test Day

Award

Expiration

FAQs

How much does the Life in the UK test cost?

You need to book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance, which will cost £50.

Where can I take the test?

There are over 30 test centres in the UK. You can choose where to take your test when you book it.

How to book the Life in the UK test?

You will need the following information when booking:

email address
debit or credit card
an accepted form of ID (valid passport, travel document with photo, biometric residence permit or biometric residence card)

The link to book your test can be found here.

Who is exempt from the Life in the UK test?

You can only be exempt from the test if you are:

under 18
65 or over
have a long-term physical or mental condition which prevents you from taking the test – you must have a medical evidence to support your condition

Do I need to prepare for the test?

You are strongly encouraged to study for the test. You will be tested on information in the official handbook for the Life in the UK Test. The handbook is available in different formats: book, eBook, e-Learning subscription or audio.

What do I need to bring with me to the test?

You will only need your ID (the same ID that you used to book the test). A photo of you will also be taken on the day to confirm your ID.

It is really important that you bring the same ID that you used to book the test, as you will not be able to take the test or get a refund if you bring the wrong form of ID.

What happens at the test?

You will have 45 minutes to answer 24 multiple-choice questions based on the Life in the UK handbook.

What score do I need to get to pass the test?

You must answer at least 18 questions correctly out of 24 to pass the test.

Will I receive a document proving that I passed the test?

You will receive a ‘unique reference number’. You need this number to complete your citizenship or ILR application.

If you took your test before 17 December 2019, you’ll have a letter with a ‘test reference ID’ instead of a unique reference number. If you lost the letter, you would need to send a note explaining that you have lost the letter with your citizenship or settlement application.

Does the Life in the UK test expire?

The Life in the UK test has no expiry date, you can take the test under any legal status you hold in the UK and you will be able to use it in the future for other immigration applications which require it (such as application for indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship).

Life in the UK Test FAQs

Can I take Life in the UK test outside the UK

No, Life in the UK test centres are only in the UK.

Can I bring my child, or other family member with me to the centre?

No, you are not allowed to bring them to the centre.

What if I fail the test?

You can retake the Life in the UK test after 7 days.

You can take the test as many times as you need to.

You will be going through the same process as before – book and pay each time.

Can I cancel my test if I cannot make it?

Yes, you can cancel the test you booked if you can no longer make it. Normally, you would get a refund if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before you’re due to take the test. Thus, if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days or less, you will not get a refund.

If you’re eligible for a refund, the £50 will be refunded to the card you used to book the test – you would not need to contact UK Visas and Immigration.

To cancel, you would need to:

Sign into your Life in the UK account
Select ‘Confirmed tests’
Select ‘Cancel tests’

After which you can book a test on another date.

What if my test centre cancels the test?

You will be able to ask for a refund. However, you cannot ask for a refund for any other reason, such as if you were ill, late, did not bring the right ID, or refused to have your photo taken.

If you have any questions about your British citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications please do get in touch with us.

What if I have a disability?

You can make special requests when you book your test, for example if you have a disability and need extra equipment or help accessing the test centre. Contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline if you need any help with the booking:

Telephone: 0800 015 4245

Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm