As of November 1, 2005 all applicants for UK naturalisation need to successfully complete the "Life in the UK" test before their application for UK citizenship may be submitted. As of 02 April 2007, all applicants for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence) will be required to take the test as well.

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Who needs to take the test
The UK government introduced this test for those wishing to become a British citizen to prove that they know about life in the UK.

You will have to take the test if you are applying for naturalisation as a British citizen and your level of English is good. If your English is not very strong and you wish to apply for naturalisation, you will need to attend combined English language (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead. ESOL and citizenship classes help you to improve your English and learn more about life in the UK. You can find out your level of English by being assessed at a local further education college.

At present, the test is only available in English, but will be offered in Welsh and Scottish Gaelic in the future. The test will not be made available in any other languages.

Timeline
You should take the test before you apply for naturalisation as a British citizen, provided you meet the other requirements for naturalisation. If you pass the test, you will be given a letter proving you have been successful. This is called your pass notification letter. Keep this letter in a safe place! If you lose it, you'll have to take the test again.

Should you fail the Life in the UK test,
it is recommended that you study the preparation book 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship' again before re-scheduling the test.

The Test Questions
The test is a series of 24 questions based on chapters 2, 3 and 4 of 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship.' You should read chapters 2, 3 and 4 of the 'Life in the United Kingdom' handbook very carefully. You will have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions. You can use all of the time available, so you should not rush to finish quickly. It is a good idea to review your answers.

If you have certain medical conditions, you may be allowed more time. You should mention this when you book the test.

Knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom
This website contains details of the knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom that you normally need to have before you make an application for permanent residence (we call this 'indefinite leave to remain').