Who Needs To Take The Life In The UK Test?

The Life in the UK Test is a computer-based test about British life, traditions, politics, and customs.

You will need to take this test if you want to obtain indefinite leave to remain in the UK (i.e. settle in the UK) or are applying for British citizenship. There are only very limited exemptions to this requirement.

Do I need to pass the Life in the UK Test before I apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK and/or UK citizenship?

You need to pass the Life in the UK Test in order to make an application for indefinite leave to remain or naturalisation as a British citizen. The test consists of 24 multiple choice questions about British life which you have 45 minutes to answer. In order to pass, you need to answer at least 18 questions correctly. If you pass you will be issued with a certificate. If you fail the test you can retake it after 7 days but you will have to pay again. There is no limit on the number of re-sits you can take, so you can keep taking the test until you pass it. 

Can I take the Life in UK Test anywhere?

You can only take the test in one of the specified Life in the UK test centres around the UK. There are 30 centres to choose from so you can select one of the five closest to where you live. You can book the test online for a £50 fee at least three days in advance using your email address, credit or debit card and a form of ID. Make sure to take the same form of ID with you when you sit the test.

How do I prepare for the Life in UK Test?

The test is based on the information in the official handbook ‘Life in the United Kingdom, A Guide for New Residents’ which you can access online as an eBook. Make sure you obtain the latest edition.

The type of information you will need to know for the test includes the UK’s history, geography, local culture and information about the British government. The handbook is a good guide for the type of questions which are likely to come up and also provides sample questions for you to practice on.

It may be tempting for those who have lived in the UK for a long time to assume that they will be able to answer the questions without having studied and practiced but many of the questions do require specific knowledge of a particular event (such as names and dates), so it is important to read the official handbook before sitting the test.

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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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