My Legal Services Guide To The 2024 Life In The UK Test
One of the key elements to living in the UK is understanding its ways and customs, having knowledge of life, learning about the countries past, everything from the British society, British customs, British Empire, Roman hordes, to the Viking raiders who blighted the whole of the East coast to the effect that World War One and Two had on the nation as a whole.
The Life in the UK Test is a compulsory requirement for most people wanting to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen or permanent residence – also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement.
In order to meet the ‘Knowledge of language and life in the UK’ requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)/settlement or British citizenship you must:
- Pass the Life in the UK test, unless exempt
- Have a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent
What is the Life in the UK test?
When applying for settlement or British citizenship, an essential requirement is to clear the Life in the UK test. This test is essential to help you know the country you are moving to stay in and get familiar with places and history in the united kingdom.
Do I need to take the Life in the UK test?
The Life in the UK Test is a mandatory requirement for most people wanting to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen or indefinite leave to remain in the UK. This is also known as the UK citizenship test and is essential as of your immigration applications. The purpose of the test is to ensure you have sufficient knowledge of language and English in the UK. Your family member or dependant may also be required to take the test.
While it may seem that one could quickly pass it, one should not take the Life in the UK test casually as many people can fail to pass the test on the day of the test . You can also undertake a mock test before you attempt the official practice questions. The are also free practice tests available which may assist you as part of your application.
Who can apply for the Life in the UK test and who is exempt?
Any foreign national seeking British citizenship or settlement in the UK and is above 18 but below 65 can easily sit for Life in the UK test.
You do not need to take the Life in the UK test if:
- You are under 18 years of age
- You are 65 years old or above
- You have cleared this test once before – for example; If you are applying to become a British citizen and have already passed it as part of your settlement application, you will be exempted from giving this test again.
- You have a long-term physical or mental condition – you must provide either a letter or a form from an authorised doctor stating the reason.
Here’s everything you need to know to make sure you are thoroughly prepared for the test to meet the pass rates.
How to Book the test?
The official UK government website https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test is authorised to book for Life in the UK test as a mandatory part of your visa application for British citizenship or settlement at UK test centres. The test is online via computer-based setup in multiple-choice questions format. There are approximately 30 centres in the UK where this test can take place on the test date
It would be best if you have the following to book a test:
- Personal ID
- Valid email address
- Debit or credit card
- Valid ID such as Biometric residence permit or biometric residence card or a Valid Passport of EU National ID card with a photograph. Your ID must be up to date. An outdated passports are not accepted as your identity document. One must show the hardcopy and not scanned document of the same.
- A valid travel document with a photograph (you cannot use an emergency travel document)
One must note that the name on your ID must match the name in the test booklet; otherwise, you will not be permitted to sit for the test.
- Proof of the postcode
- Council tax bill
- Gas/electricity/water bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- UK photocard driving license
- A certified letter from the Home Office with your name and address on it
- The proof of the postcode must be an original document and should not be older than 3 months.
Mobile phone are not permitted
Your ID must be up to date else they will reject the identity proof otherwise if your original passport is with the Home Office, you will require the Home Office to send you a certify copy of the original in order to take the British citizenship test and meet the English language test pass mark of B1 level CEFR which is intermediate level. Taking the real test can be daunting experience especially if it is your first test.
Can I take a practice test before the actual test?
You can use this website https://lifeintheuktestweb.co.uk/, which allows you to practice the test before you take or book the actual test. Theses are random questions and there are also free other website which allow you to practice and prepare yourself and any family members before you take the actual test.
Which book should I buy for life in UK test?
The Official Life in the United Kingdom – A Guide for New Residents 3rd edition handbook is the current guide and covers all the essential knowledge you need to pass your test in 2024.
What happens during the test and how do I prepare?
You should purchase the Life in the UK test guide book especially if it is the first time you will be taking the test. There is also a Uk test helpline to guide you where your nearest test centre to take test.
There are 24 multiple choice questions that you need to answer. To pass the test you must secure 75% per cent or more, which means at least 18 out of 24 multiple choice questions must be correctly answered. If you receive a lower score of 18 you will fail the test. The question asked based on the official handbook to pass the Life in the UK test. One must prepare well to pass the exam.
What happens on the day of your test?
There are 45 minutes given to complete 24 multiple-choice questions. One should not bring any children to the test centre. Dependants (unless applying) are also not allowed inside the test centre. One must take the same ID to the test centre with which one has made the booking. Your photo will be taken at the test centre also to confirm your ID. It may be noted, refusing to have your photo taken could lead to your test suspension with no refunds.
What happens if I fail the test?
You must secure at least 75% to pass the Life in the UK test. Once you pass the test, You will get a ‘unique reference number’. With this number, you can complete your citizenship or settlement application. The Home Office will refer it to see that you have passed. This is know a electronic number. If you have taken the test before 17 December 2019, you must have received a letter with a ‘test reference ID’ instead of a unique reference number.
If your letter gets lost or misplaced, you must send a letter explaining that you have lost it with your British citizenship or settlement application.
In case you fail the test, You must wait for 7 days before applying for the test again. The test can be taken as many times as you need to. Each time one needs to make a fresh booking and pay for the test.
How much is the cost of the Life in the UK test?
The cost of Life in the UK test is £50 fee.. The test must be booked at least 3 days beforehand via the official UK government website.
Does the Life in the UK test expire?
The Life in the UK test does not have a validity date of expiring and therefore can also be used in support of your application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK or British citizenship. It is important to note, other tests certificates such as IELTS test expire after 2 years.
How do I find my life in the UK test number?
The Home Office will use it to check that you’ve passed. 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 have lost your letter, send a letter explaining that you have lost it with your citizenship or settlement application.
How can we help?
We can book the test for you as part of your application.
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