Complete Guide on What to Expect in Life in the UK Test

If you are applying for British citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain, one of the eligibility requirements will require that you have passed the Life in the UK test.

Also known as the British Citizenship test, the Life in the UK test was introduced to ensure applicants have a good knowledge of British customs, traditions, laws, the political system, and the English language.

You cannot apply for naturalization or settlement until you have passed the Life in the UK test.

The Life in the UK test can be stressful with so much at stake, but preparation is the most effective way to pass.

What Is Life In The UK Test?

The Life in the United Kingdom test proves that the person applying for settlement or nationality in the UK has sufficient British life knowledge. It covers topics such as British values, history, traditions, and everyday life.

Who Has To Take The Life In The UK Test?

Anyone applying for British citizenship or to settle in the UK must take the Life in the UK test unless you qualify under one of the following exemptions:

• You are under 18 or over 65.
• You have a long-term physical or mental condition, which you must confirm with a letter from a doctor.
• If you have already passed the test, e.g. as part of your ILR application, you will not need to take the test again for your citizenship application. Instead, you will submit your Life in the UK test certificate as proof you have satisfied the mandatory requirement.

What Happens During The Test?

The test is computer-based and lasts 45 minutes. You will have to answer 24 multiple choice questions about British customs, traditions, laws and the political system. You have to answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass a pass mark of 75%.

You will find out the result after the test and be issued either a pass or fail certificate. Remember to take proof of identity and address with you to the test centre.

In total, you should allow 2 hours for the entire process, including identity checks on arrival and 45 minutes for the test itself.

Where Can You Take The Test?

There are around 30 Life in the UK test centres throughout the country. You can select one of the five closest to where you live. You are not able to take the test outside of these centres.

How Can You Prepare For The Test?

You will be tested on information in the official handbook for the Life in the UK Test.

The handbook has information about:

• UK history
• The British government
• UK geography
• Local culture

All questions in the test are taken at random from the handbook. It also contains sample questions and answers and study guides that can help you pass the test. Practicing questions from the handbook is effective in improving pass rates. By visiting here, you can practice for the Life UK Test.

Ensure your technique on the day sees you reading the questions carefully.

What Happens If You Pass The Test?

If you pass, you will be given a Life in the UK certificate, which you will use to proceed with your application for ILR or citizenship.

Does Life In The UK Test Expire?

The Life in the UK test certificate has no expiry date and can be used for all future immigration applications.

How Much Is The Life In The UK Test Fee?

The Life in the UK test costs £50. The fee is non-refundable if you fail the test.

What Happens If You Fail The Test?

If you fail the test, you will lose your test fee. You can retake the test after 7 days, and there is no limit on the number of resits you can take.

You will not be able to make an application for naturalization as a British citizen or for indefinite leave to remain until you pass the Life in the UK test.

If your current leave to remain has expired or is close to expiring, and you have yet to pass the test, you may have to seek alternative leave to ensure you remain lawfully present in the UK and avoid overstaying.

How To Book The Life In The UK Test?

You book the Life in the UK test online at least 3 days before sitting the test. You will need a contact email address and a debit or credit card to pay the test fee.

To book, you will also need to confirm your ID using either your:

• Passport;
• UK photocard driving license – full or provisional;
• Convention travel document (CTD), certificate of identity document (CID) or stateless person document (SPD);
• EU identity card;
• Immigration status document endorsed with a UK residence permit on a passport with a photo; or
• Biometric residence permit

You will need to take the ID document you used when booking with you when you sit for the test.

Life In The UK Test For British Citizenship

Obtaining British citizenship is a life-changing process. You gain the right to vote, access public services and funds, and apply for a British passport.

With so much at stake and the cost of making a naturalization application, ensuring your submission is complete, comprehensive and accurate will be critical to avoid delays or even a refusal. For example, a common area of confusion is the supporting evidence that should be submitted.

Final Words

The LITUK test is only one aspect of the application process for indefinite leave to remain, but it is the one that many applicants fear the most. In practice, such worry is misplaced. Failure of the LITUK does not mean failure of your ILR application; you can simply repeat the test as many times as needed. There are many resources available for those taking the LITUK, in the form of books, e-books, sample tests, websites, videos, and mobile apps. Find a method of learning that works for you personally; you may prefer learning by listening rather than reading. We wish you the best with your LITUK test and with your ILR application.