The Life in the UK Test is required for most adult applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or naturalisation as a British citizen when the relevant route includes a “knowledge of life” requirement. Introduced for citizenship in 2005 and for settlement in 2007, the test draws its questions from the official handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents.
Who must take the test and who is exempt
A person is ordinarily exempt from the knowledge‑of‑life requirement if, on the date of application, they:
- are under 18 years old;
- are aged 65 or over;
- have already passed the Life in the UK Test; or
- have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from meeting the requirement (medical evidence and a completed exemption form are required).
For settlement routes, limited exemptions also exist for certain partner, parent or adult‑dependent‑child applicants who qualify for the corresponding English‑language exemption after 15 years (see Appendix KOL UK).
Booking the test
-
Only the official government booking service can be used: https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test.
-
Booking must be made online at least three days before the test and costs £50 (fee should be confirmed on the GOV.UK page).
-
Applicants need an email address, a debit/credit card, and an accepted form of identification that matches the details entered at booking. Accepted ID includes:
- valid passport,
- valid EEA or Swiss identity card,
- valid photographic travel document,
- an eVisa (using a UKVI share code), or
- an expired biometric residence permit/card if the test is taken within 24 months of the expiry date or by 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner (temporary arrangement).
-
Emergency travel documents are not accepted.
-
If no accepted ID is available, applicants should contact the Home Office at [email protected].
Test format and passing criteria
- Computer‑based, 45 minutes to answer 24 multiple‑choice questions.
- A minimum score of 75 % (18 correct answers) is required to pass.
- The same original ID used for booking must be presented on test day, unless identity is verified digitally via an eVisa. A photograph is taken at the centre; failure to provide ID or to allow the photograph results in denial of entry and no refund.
After passing
- The test taker receives a unique reference number, which must be entered on the settlement or citizenship application for Home Office verification.
- The pass does not expire; a test passed for settlement normally does not need to be retaken for a later naturalisation application.
- Applicants who took the test before 17 December 2019 received a letter with the reference ID; if lost, the loss should be explained in the application.
Preparation
- The test is based solely on the official handbook, available in print, e‑book and audio formats, together with official practice resources.
- No prescribed study period is set; applicants should allow sufficient time to work through the material before booking.
Failing the test
- There is no limit on the number of attempts. Each retake requires a new booking and payment of the £50 fee.
- Re‑booking should be scheduled well before the expiry of the applicant’s current immigration permission or the intended application date, as repeated attempts do not extend existing permission and do not excuse a late settlement application.
Cancelling or rearranging a booking
- Changes can be made through the Life in the UK account.
- A full refund is normally available if the cancellation is made at least three days (72 hours) before the appointment or if the test centre cancels.
- No refund is given for cancellations or rearrangements made within three days, for arriving late, for providing the wrong ID, for illness, or for refusing the photograph.
Cheating and false representation
- Test centres must report suspected cheating, attempts to obtain false results, or interference with staff.
- Using a false test result or deception in a settlement or citizenship application can lead to refusal, cancellation or revocation of immigration status, deprivation of British citizenship, and possible prosecution.
Review and future changes
- The Government announced in the May 2025 immigration white paper that the Life in the UK Test will be refreshed.
- A parliamentary answer on 13 July 2026 confirmed that the test is under review to make it clearer and more relevant to everyday life.
- The current test contract expires in 2027; any changes will be announced with transitional arrangements to give applicants sufficient notice. Until then, applicants should prepare for and take the test under the existing rules.
Quick reference (FAQs)
- What does the test assess? Knowledge of British traditions, customs and everyday life.
- Is the test required for every ILR applicant? No; it depends on the settlement route and personal circumstances.
- Cost? £50 (check the official booking page for any updates).
- Can an eVisa be used for booking? Yes, with a UKVI share code.
- Can an expired BRP/BRC be used? Potentially, if the test is taken within 24 months of expiry or by 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner.
- Number of questions and time limit? 24 questions, 45 minutes.
- Does a pass expire? No.
- Can the test be retaken? Yes, unlimited attempts, each requiring a new booking and fee.
- Is the test changing? A review is underway; no replacement test has been implemented yet.
Source article: immigrationbarrister.co.uk
