Planning to take the Life in the UK test in 2025? Then this article is a must-read for you. Find out who has to take the test, who is allowed to skip the exam, what is included in the test content, which languages ​​are available to take, how to prepare, how to register, what documents are required, what has changed for eVisa holders and much more important information

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If you are planning to take the UK Life Test, it is important to know that the Home Office has made several important changes to its procedure. In particular, in connection with the country’s transition to a digital immigration system, a new mandatory stage has been introduced for e-visa holders – a personal check. If you do not pass this check in advance, you may be refused admission to the exam directly at the test center.

To avoid delays or even refusal to take the test, read the key changes and act in advance. Everything you need to know about the UK Life Test in 2025 can be found in this article.

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What is the UK Life Test?

The UK Life Test, also known as the British Citizenship Test, was introduced by the country’s government in 2005. Its main purpose is to help those applying for permanent residence in the United Kingdom to better understand the country in which they plan to live.

The test covers various aspects of British life: from culture and history to traditions, social structure and everyday life. It is not just a formality, but an important step towards integration into British society.

Who among the foreigners should write the text “Life in the UK”?

Passing the Life in the UK test is a mandatory requirement for applicants applying for:

- British citizenship.

- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

- Some types of long-term visas to the UK.

Immigration rules state that everyone who applies for these permits must meet the requirement “Knowledge of the language and life in the United Kingdom” (KOLL).

In addition to passing the Life in the UK test, candidates must now also have a B1 (ESOL Entry 3) level of English language and listening skills or above. If you are from a country where English is the national language, such as the USA or Australia, you are exempt from this language requirement.

Who is exempt from the Life in the UK test?

Most people applying for permanent residence or British citizenship must take the Life in the UK test. However, there are exceptions where taking the test is not mandatory. You do not have to take the test if:

- You are under 18 years old.

- You are over 65 years old.

- You have previously successfully taken the test.

- You have a long-term physical or mental disability that prevents you from taking the test

Please note! If you have a visual or hearing impairment, this is not an automatic reason for exemption – in such cases you must still take the test.

In addition, temporary conditions – such as stress or depression – are not usually considered sufficient reason for exemption. However, each case is considered on an individual basis. If you are applying for exemption on medical grounds, you will need to provide an official medical report or certificate confirming your condition.

What you need to know about the UK Life in the UK test

The Life in the UK test is computer-based and is administered at accredited test centres. Here are the key facts you should know before taking it:

✅ Test content

- Consists of 24 multiple-choice questions.

- To pass the test, you must answer at least 18 questions correctly (i.e. score 75%).

- You are given 45 minutes to complete the tasks.

- All questions are based on the official study guide, Living in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd Edition), available online or in print.

🌐 Language of delivery

- The test is conducted in English.

- If you are based in Scotland or Wales, you have the right to request to take the test in Scottish Gaelic or Welsh - this must be requested when booking.

💻 Format

- The test is fully computerised.

- All tests are taken on computers at the test centre.

- Headphones are available for those who find it more comfortable to listen - you can listen to the questions instead of reading.

📊 Passing statistics

- The average pass rate for 2009-2014 is 70%.

- EU nationals have a higher pass rate of 86%, compared to 68% for applicants from other countries.

💷 Cost

- The current cost of booking a test is £50.00.

How to prepare for the Life in UK test?

The test is based on the content of the official guide “Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents”.

This guide covers key topics that reflect the basics of life in the UK:

- Values ​​and principles of the UK.

- Laws, government and political system.

- History of the country - from ancient times to the present day.

- Culture and traditions

- Everyday life - from education to the labor market.

Recommendations for successful preparation

- Read the official guide carefully - it is the main source for taking the test.

- Use online resources - on the official website and proven platforms are available: practice tests, flashcards, explanations of complex terms

Regularly take practice tests to assess your level of knowledge and prepare for the format of the real exam.

Plan your preparation well in advance – allow enough time before your test date to avoid stress and rush.

How do I register for the Life in UK test?

To take the Life in UK test, you first need to register online and book a test date.

Step 1 – Go to the official website

Visit the official test website.

Step 2 – Create an account

Follow the direct link to the registration page.

When creating an account and booking your test, you will need to provide the following details:

- Your full name – enter it as it appears on your ID.

- Home address and postcode – this information is used to confirm your place of residence.

- A valid email address – This is required to confirm your booking and for follow-up communication.

- Proof of identity (one of the following) – Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), passport, other official photo ID accepted by the system. You will need to bring this with you to the test centre on the day of the test.

- Information about any special needs or requests (if any) – for example, requests for accessibility for people with disabilities, extra time, special equipment, etc.

Important!

- If you do not have an email address or do not know how to create one – contact your local library. Many libraries offer free help with registration and computer use.

- You can call the Life in the UK test helpline on: 0800 015 4245. Advisors will help with questions about registration, booking and preparation.

New rule for eVisa holders on test day Life in the UK

In light of the UK’s move to a digital immigration system, the Home Office has introduced a new requirement for those holding an electronic visa (eVisa).

Previously, a passport or biometric BRP card was sufficient to verify identity at the test.

Now, if you have an eVisa, you must generate a special identity verification code (called a “share code”) in advance.

This code will be used by the test centre to digitally verify your identity on the day of the test.

Important! If you do not provide this code, you will be refused entry to the test. In this case, the test fee will not be refunded.

How do I generate an eVisa share code?

Step 1 – Log in to your UKVI account

Step 2 – Select the option: “Prove your status to someone”

Step 3 – Generate a share code: select the purpose: “for a government agency” (e.g. other government department) and you will then receive a unique code valid for 30 days.

Step 4 – Provide this code when registering at the test centre on the day of the test

It is recommended to generate the code 1-2 days before the test to avoid expiration issues.

What to do on the day of your Life in the UK test?

Life in the UK test day checklist:

1. Check that the name on your document exactly matches the name on your test booking – any discrepancies may result in refusal of entry.

2. Bring your original and valid ID – passport, biometric BRP card or other approved document.

3. If you have an eVisa – be sure to log in to your UKVI account and generate a share code. Write down or save the code to present at the test centre.

4. Bring the same document you used when you registered for the test online.

Can I choose where to take the Life in the UK test?

When booking, you will be offered a choice of five test centres, the closest to where you live. You can choose one of them, depending on which is more convenient for you.

Important! You cannot choose a test centre outside this list (i.e. not among the five offered). If you try to do so:

- You will not be allowed to take the test

- You will lose the amount you paid as there are no refunds

Many centres where the Life in the UK test is administered also operate as educational institutions. They offer English language courses, computer courses and other services that may be useful for preparing or adapting to life in the UK.

What if you need to cancel or change your test date?

If you are unable to attend a booked test session, you must log in to your Life in the UK Test account, select the “Confirmed tests” option, and then select the “Cancel tests” option.

To be eligible for a refund, cancellations must be made 3 days or more before the test date. The refund will be credited to the debit or credit card you used to book your test.

You can then continue to book your test on the appropriate date.

What should I do if I fail the Life in the UK test?

You will need to wait at least 7 days before you can book another test. The notification letter you will receive after the test will inform you of where you went wrong so that you know what to improve next time.

The Life in the UK test is a key step in securing your future in the United Kingdom. It is important for applicants not only to gain the necessary knowledge, but also to prepare a complete package of documents.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to find out the requirements and procedure for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship in the UK.

Qualified specialists at Visit World – your reliable support during migration abroad!

Reminder! The UK government has announced visa fees will increase from April 2025. We have already told you about the new fees for short-term and long-term visas, electronic ETAs, as well as permanent residence permits and passports.