Life in the UK Test Requirements 2025: Are You Eligible?
Unsure if you must take the Life in the UK Test in 2025? This guide gives you a quick yes/no answer, then walks you through the exact rules by route, exemptions, documents, booking rules, and how to prepare so you pass first time. It includes official links and practical checklists.
Quick answer: Do you need the Life in the UK Test in 2025?
Most people aged 18–64 applying for settlement (ILR) or British citizenship in 2025 must pass the Life in the UK Test, unless they qualify for an age or medical exemption. If you already passed it previously, you can reuse your pass for later applications (keep your unique reference number).
You must take it if you’re 18–64 and applying for ILR (most work, family, or long residence routes) or naturalisation.
You’re exempt if you’re under 18 or 65+, or have a long-term condition preventing you from learning or taking the test (medical exemption).
Special routes like EUSS settled status didn’t require the test. But citizenship after EUSS usually does (unless exempt).
Already have a pass? You can reuse it for future ILR or citizenship applications. Keep your test reference number.
Need route-specific detail? See: Life in the UK Test for ILR in 2025 and How to Get British Citizenship.
Life in the UK Test requirements at a glance (2025)
Definition: The Life in the UK Test is a 24‑question, computer‑based exam based on the official handbook. You have 45 minutes, and you need 75%+ to pass.
Who needs it: Most adult ILR and citizenship applicants (see exemptions below).
Format: 24 multiple‑choice questions, 45 minutes. Pass mark: 75%.
Booking: Online only, at least 3 days in advance. Fee: £50. Use the same original photo ID to book and sit.
ID options: Passport, BRP/BRC, UK photocard driving licence. eVisa holders can use a share code. Expired BRP may be used for booking from 1 Jan 2025.
Proof of address: Name and UK postcode, typically issued within the last 3 months (check your booking confirmation for what’s acceptable).
Local centre: You usually must test at a centre near your home (often within ~25 miles).
Validity: Passes do not expire. Keep your unique test reference number.
Retakes: Unlimited attempts, but you pay the fee each time. No refunds if you bring the wrong ID or arrive late.
Eligibility rules by application type
This section clarifies who needs to take the Life in the UK Test for ILR and citizenship in 2025, and the main exceptions.
Settlement (ILR): routes that require the test in 2025
Normally required for ILR on:
Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, and other work routes.
Family routes (spouse/partner) when applying for settlement.
Long residence (10 years) ILR.
Most other routes leading to settlement, unless explicitly exempt in the rules.
Common ILR exemptions (test not normally required):
Age: under 18 or 65+ (automatic exemption).
Medical: long‑term physical or mental condition preventing learning or testing (see process below).
Specific routes: certain compassionate ILR categories (for example, bereaved partner or domestic abuse ILR) are typically exempt from KoLL at ILR stage. If you later apply for citizenship, standard requirements resume unless exempt.
More route detail: Life in the UK Test for ILR: Do You Really Need It in 2025?
British citizenship (naturalisation): when the test is mandatory
For most adult applicants, the test is mandatory unless exempt by age (under 18 or 65+) or medical reasons.
If you passed the test for ILR, you do not need to take it again for citizenship. Keep and submit your test reference number on Form AN when asked.
Spouse or civil partner of a British citizen: the same KoLL rules apply; most adults must pass unless exempt.
Special routes and edge cases (EUSS, Windrush, returning residents)
EUSS: Settled status (ILR under EUSS) did not require the test. But if you apply for citizenship after EUSS, you’ll usually need it unless exempt.
Windrush: Confirming status or getting documentation under the Windrush Scheme itself does not require the test. If you later apply for naturalisation, standard KoLL rules apply (unless exempt).
Returning Resident: This route focuses on re‑establishing ILR you previously held. The Life in the UK Test is not normally part of the returning resident visa decision, but you’ll need the test if you later apply for citizenship (unless exempt). Always check current guidance for your case.
Age and medical exemptions explained
Two exemption types exist: automatic (age) and discretionary (medical). Reasonable test‑day adjustments are also available where appropriate.
Automatic age exemptions: under 18 or 65+
If you are under 18 or 65 and over, you’re exempt from the Life in the UK Test for both ILR and citizenship.
No test booking is needed. Provide proof of age with your application.
See official advice on age exemptions via Citizens Advice and GOV.UK links throughout this guide.
Medical exemption: evidence and how to apply
You may be exempt if you have a long‑term physical or mental condition that prevents you from studying for, or taking, the test. This is assessed on evidence.
Obtain a letter from a UK‑registered GP or NHS consultant explaining: diagnosis, how it prevents learning/testing, severity, and that it is long‑term.
Upload this with your ILR or citizenship application under KoLL evidence. Keep originals.
Caseworkers use the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK guidance to assess exemptions.
Reasonable adjustments vs exemption
Adjustments (e.g., extra time or other test‑day support) help you sit the test; they are not an exemption. Request them when booking and upload supporting evidence.
Exemption removes the requirement entirely and relies on medical evidence that the condition prevents learning/testing.
If unsure, speak to your GP and contact the test provider ahead of booking.
Full exemption list and process: Life in the UK Test Exemptions: Full 2025 List.
English language (B1) vs Life in the UK Test: do you need both?
For most ILR and citizenship applications, you must meet KoLL (Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK), which includes B1 English evidence and a Life in the UK pass, unless exempt by age or medical reasons.
When both are required (most ILR and citizenship routes)
Provide accepted B1 English evidence (e.g., SELT test, degree taught in English, approved nationality exemptions) and a Life in the UK pass.
Check 2025 SELT updates. From 1 January 2025, LanguageCert swapped its ESOL SELT 4‑skills test for the new Academic SELT and General SELT options.
When one suffices (rare scenarios)
Age exemptions (under 18 or 65+) remove both requirements.
Medical exemptions can waive the Life in the UK Test and/or B1 English where appropriate and evidenced.
Some specific immigration categories have tailored KoLL rules. Always verify the rule for your exact route.
Deep dive: Life in the UK Test and B1: Do You Need Both in 2025?
Requirement | What it proves | Typical evidence | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|---|
Life in the UK Test | Civic knowledge | Unique test reference number | Most ILR and all adult naturalisation applicants (unless exempt) |
B1 English | Language ability | SELT certificate; degree taught in English; approved nationality | Most ILR and adult naturalisation applicants (unless exempt) |
Documents and identity requirements to sit the test
Bring the exact same original photo ID you used to book the test. Details must match your booking exactly.
Accepted ID: passport, BRP/BRC, UK photocard driving licence
Valid passport.
BRP/BRC (expired BRP accepted for booking from 1 January 2025).
UK photocard driving licence.
eVisa holders: use a share code during booking and bring your original ID as specified in the booking confirmation.
Proof of address: what counts and how recent it must be
Expect to show a recent document with your name and UK postcode (often within the last 3 months). Examples include:
Bank or building society statement.
Utility bill or council tax statement.
Letter from a central or local government department.
Check your booking confirmation for the current list and recency rule, as centres can refuse entry for non‑compliant documents.
Matching details: name changes, diacritics, and common pitfalls
Ensure your booking name matches your ID exactly, including middle names and diacritics.
If you’ve changed your name, bring the supporting document (e.g., marriage certificate, deed poll) and enter details precisely when booking.
Do not use nicknames or abbreviations. Typos can invalidate your result.
Booking help: How to book the Life in the UK Test (step‑by‑step).
Booking constraints that affect eligibility
Book at least 3 days ahead. Fee is £50. One booking per person at a time.
Local test centre: You’re usually required to use a centre near where you live (commonly within ~25 miles) using your UK postcode.
Same ID: Book and sit with the same original ID. Your photo will be taken on the day to confirm identity.
Refunds: Cancel 72+ hours in advance for a refund. No refunds for late arrival, wrong ID, or missing documents.
Validity, evidence, and retakes
Understanding how your pass is recorded and reused helps avoid delays in your ILR or citizenship application.
No expiry: using a previous pass for ILR or citizenship
Your test pass does not expire. Keep your unique reference number safe.
Include the reference on your application when prompted. The Home Office verifies passes electronically.
If you fail: waiting period and retakes
You can retake the test as many times as needed, paying the fee each time.
Rebook as soon as you’re ready and slots are available. Use failure feedback to target weak topics before reattempting.
Linking your pass to your Home Office application
After you pass, you’ll receive your result and a test reference number (e.g., format like HOM/010114/123456/123456789 for tests on/after certain dates).
For citizenship, if you passed on or after 1 October 2019, add your test reference in the Form AN sections provided.
Keep the email/result securely. If you lose it, contact the test provider to recover details.
2025 updates that could affect requirements
Expired BRP for booking: From 1 January 2025, expired BRP cards can be used to make a Life in the UK test booking (follow on‑screen ID rules).
SELT changes: From 1 January 2025, LanguageCert replaced ESOL SELT 4‑skills with new LanguageCert Academic SELT and LanguageCert General SELT. Check accepted tests when proving B1.
English standard policy news: Government policy signals an A‑level‑equivalent English standard for some immigration routes. Always check whether this affects your route; ILR/citizenship KoLL remains B1 unless the rules change.
Core Life in the UK rules (24 questions, 45 minutes, 75% pass, £50 fee) remain unchanged as of publication.
To monitor changes, check the official Life in the UK Test page and the SELT guidance before you book.
Decision path: Are you required to take the test?
Use this 4‑step check to confirm your status in under a minute.
Step 1: Your age (under 18, 18–64, 65+)
Under 18: Exempt.
65 and over: Exempt.
18–64: Go to Step 2.
Step 2: Your immigration route (ILR category or citizenship)
ILR on work, family, long residence, etc.: Required unless your route is expressly exempt.
Compassionate ILR routes (e.g., bereaved partner, domestic abuse): Typically exempt at ILR stage.
Citizenship (naturalisation): Required for most adults unless exempt.
Step 3: Medical conditions or learning needs
Medical exemption: If a long‑term condition prevents learning/testing, gather GP/consultant evidence and claim an exemption.
Adjustments: If you can take the test with support (e.g., extra time), request adjustments at booking.
Step 4: Previous passes and validity
Already passed? Reuse your unique reference number in your application.
Never taken or failed? Book the test and prepare thoroughly before your next attempt.
Common mistakes that cause refused results or delays
These errors are the fastest way to lose your fee or delay your ILR/citizenship application. Avoid them:
Wrong ID or mismatch with booking details
Booking name must exactly match your ID (including middle names and diacritics).
Bring the same original ID you used to book (no photocopies or screenshots).
Proof of address older than 3 months
Use recent documents with your name and postcode. Old statements and online screenshots are often rejected.
Check the list in your booking confirmation and bring a paper copy if advised.
Booking outside your local centre radius
Use your home postcode and pick a nearby centre. Out‑of‑area bookings can be cancelled or refused.
Arriving late or with damaged/expired ID
Arrive early. Late arrivals are commonly refused and fees lost.
Bring ID in good condition; some centres refuse damaged documents.
Avoid bringing family or children to the test centre; most centres cannot accommodate them.
How to prepare efficiently and meet the requirements
To minimise retakes and stress, align your study with the official handbook and test format.
Build an eligibility-aligned study plan (what to study, when)
Start 2–4 weeks before your target date (earlier if you prefer steady study).
Cover all official handbook topics, prioritising history, government, and everyday life chapters.
Do short daily sessions and ramp up with timed mock tests in the final week.
Schedule your exam when your mock test scores consistently exceed 80–85%.
Use the Life in the UK Test App to guarantee readiness
Overwhelmed by the content or short on time? The Life in the UK Test App focuses you on what matters and tracks readiness so you don’t waste money on retakes.
Smart assistant (Brit‑Bear) guides your study plan and highlights weak areas.
650+ Q&A with explanations mapped to the official handbook.
Mock tests with Hard Mode to simulate exam pressure and question difficulty.
Readiness score so you only book when you’re truly prepared.
Offline access for learning anywhere.
Micro‑example: Users who trained to an 85%+ readiness score in the app typically reported finishing the real exam with time to spare and fewer surprises.
Get the app now — Download on App Store: iOS · Get it on Google Play: Android
Mock tests and Hard Mode: simulate the real exam
Use timed mocks to build speed (target 1–1.5 minutes per question).
Switch on Hard Mode to stress‑test your knowledge across the full syllabus.
Review explanations, then retest until you consistently score above the 75% pass mark with margin.
Requirement checklists
Before you book
Confirm you need the test (age, route, exemptions).
Prepare your original ID (passport/BRP/BRC/UK licence). Ensure booking name matches.
Gather recent proof of address (name + postcode, typically under 3 months).
Choose a local centre and book at least 3 days ahead.
Start practice with mocks; aim for 80–85% before test day.
On test day
Arrive 15–20 minutes early.
Bring the same original ID used to book + proof of address if requested.
Be ready for a photo and ID checks.
Answer 24 questions in 45 minutes. Aim for steady pacing.
After you pass
Save your unique reference number and result email securely.
For citizenship, enter the reference in Form AN when asked.
Keep a copy for future use; passes do not expire.
FAQs: eligibility and requirements in 2025
Do I need the Life in the UK Test for ILR?
Most ILR applicants aged 18–64 do, except certain exempt routes (e.g., bereaved partner or domestic abuse ILR) and age/medical exemptions.
Does a Life in the UK Test pass expire?
No. Keep your unique reference number to reuse it for future ILR or citizenship applications.
Can I retake the test if I fail?
Yes. You can retake as many times as needed, paying the fee each time. Rebook when ready and focus on weak topics first.
Do I need B1 English as well?
Usually yes. KoLL requires both B1 English and the Life in the UK Test unless you’re exempt (age or medical) or your route specifies otherwise.
What ID should I bring?
The same original ID used for booking (passport, BRP/BRC, or UK photocard licence). eVisa users should follow booking instructions and may need a share code.
Can I bring family to the test centre?
Avoid it. Centres typically cannot accommodate companions or provide childcare. Plan accordingly.
Ready to prepare the smart way? Download the app — iOS: App Store · Android: Google Play.
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