This is the only official test you need to take because it is the requirement for your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK. It is most important to prepare well with Life in the UK Test training because it is highly unlikely to pass this test without having a good preparation. In order to meet the ‘Knowledge of language and life in the UK’ requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)/settlement 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.Most importantly, Life in the UK test is a computer-based test about UK, therefore it is essential to have a good knowledge about life in the UK.
Course content
Chapter 1: The values and principles of UK
- The fundamental principles of British life
- Responsibilities and freedoms of all UK residents
- Becoming a permanent resident
- Taking the Life in the UK test
- The testable sections of this book
Chapter 2: What is the UK?
- The different countries that make up the UK
Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history
- The history of early Britain
- The medieval period
- The Tudor and Stuart monarchs of the UK
- The establishment of Parliament
- The unification of the United Kingdom
- The Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution
- The Victorian Age and the British Empire
- The First World War
- The Great Depression
- The Second World War
- Britain since 1945 and the welfare state
- Great British inventions and sporting figures
- Government since the Second World War
Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society
- The cities and population of the UK
- Religious festivals of the UK
- Popular sports and famous sportsmen and women
- The development of music, including famous composers
- British theatre and cinema through the ages
- British artists and architects
- Famous British poets and authors
- Sections of famous British poems
- British comedy and leisure activities
- Famous British landmarks
Chapter 4: The UK government, the law and your role
- Britain as a constitutional monarchy
- How Parliament works
- Elections, the government, and the opposition
- Devolved administrations of the UK
- The Commonwealth, EU, UN, and NATO
- British law and justice
- The courts
- Fundamental principles and rights
- Tax
- Driving
- Community work and getting involved
Needs to pass your B1 English Language Test?
You must pass a B1 Secure English Language Test (SELT) in at least CEFR level B1 in Speaking and Listening to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK or British Citizenship. If you are applying for indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship then you might need to prove your knowledge of the English language by taking an English language at least at B1 level (CEFR).
Latest News updated on 31 January 2020
The new terms and conditions of booking the Life in the UK Test has been updated and published on GOV.UK on 31 January 2020
The summary of the updates is as below:
- The earliest Life in the UK Test can be taken within 3 days (72 hours) from the date of booking for a standard booking.
- Life in the UK test can also be booked 24 to 72 hours from the date of booking, but it is an optional service and there are additional fees apply for this additional service
- Candidate can take the Life in the UK Test on Sunday with additional fee.
What happened at the test?
You have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions based on the Life in the United Kingdom handbook.
What to bring to your test?
You must bring the same ID that you used to book the test.
You must also bring proof of your address that has your name and postcode on it. It must be dated within 3 months of the day of your test.
This can be a:
- gas, electricity or water bill
- Council Tax bill
- letter from the Home Office with your name and address on it
- UK photocard driving licence
- bank or credit card statement
- Bank statements must be an original statement printed by your bank. If you don’t usually get paper statements, you can ask your bank for one. These statements must be stamped by the bank branch that gave you it.
If you pass the test-
- You must score 75% or more to pass the test.
- You’ll get a ‘pass notification letter’. You must send the original with your citizenship or settlement application to prove you passed.
- You’ll only get one copy of the letter – you can’t get a replacement.
- Call the Home Office if you’ve lost your pass letter. You won’t get a new one but they’ll tell you what to do.
You don’t need to take the test if you:
- are under 18 or over 65
- have passed it before – for example, if you’re applying to become a citizen and already passed it as part of your settlement application
- have a long-term physical or mental condition – you must provide either a form or letter from a doctor confirming your physical or mental condition