Who needs to take the Life in the UK Test?
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team
Most people applying for settlement or British citizenship must pass the Life in the UK Test, but some are exempt. This guide explains who needs to take it and who does not. It is part of the KoLL requirement, and it is general information, not immigration advice, so always check your own case on GOV.UK.
Who needs to take the test
Most applicants aged 18 to 64 who are applying for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) or British citizenship need to pass the test. It is the same test for both routes.
Who is exempt
Here is a quick guide to who needs the test and who is exempt:
| Your situation | Take the test? |
|---|---|
| Aged 18 to 64, applying for ILR or citizenship | Yes, usually |
| Under 18 | No (exempt) |
| Aged 65 or over | No (exempt) |
| Already passed it for an earlier application | No (already met) |
| A long-term physical or mental condition | May be exempt, with evidence |
For a health-condition exemption, you usually need to provide evidence, such as a doctor's letter or an exemption form. Exemptions are decided by the Home Office against your evidence, so check the current requirements on GOV.UK.
Exemption vs reasonable adjustment
These two are easy to confuse. An exemption means you do not take the test at all. A reasonable adjustment means you do take it, but with support, such as extra time. Our reasonable adjustments guide covers the difference in full.
The English requirement is separate
Being exempt from the test, or passing it, is only part of the picture. Most applicants also need to meet the English language requirement, which has its own rules and exemptions. See the KoLL requirement guide for how the two parts fit together.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to take the Life in the UK Test?
- Usually, if you are aged 18 to 64 and applying for settlement or citizenship, unless you are exempt.
- Am I exempt if I am over 65?
- Yes. People aged 65 or over do not have to take the test.
- Am I exempt if I am under 18?
- Yes. People under 18 do not have to take the test.
- Do I take the test again if I already passed it?
- No. If you passed it for an earlier application, you do not have to take it again.
- Can a health condition exempt me?
- A long-term physical or mental condition can, if you provide the evidence GOV.UK requires. That is different from a reasonable adjustment, which helps you take the test.
Official sources (GOV.UK)
This page explains who needs to take the Life in the UK Test and who is exempt and is for study and preparation only. It is general information, not immigration advice, and does not determine your eligibility for settlement or citizenship. For official rules and any updates, rely on GOV.UK; GOV.UK guidance controls if anything here differs.
Related guides
View all guides →The Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) Requirement
The KoLL requirement explained: to settle or become a citizen you must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English requirement at B1, unless you are exempt. General information, not advice.
B1 English & the Life in the UK Test: Two Requirements
The Life in the UK Test and the B1 English requirement are two separate requirements. What B1 means, how to meet it (test, nationality or degree), and who is exempt. General information, not advice.
Reasonable Adjustments & Accessibility
If you have a disability or health condition, you may be able to get a reasonable adjustment to take the test. How to ask, and how it differs from an exemption. General information, not advice.
Life in the UK Test: Format, Pass Mark & How It Works
How the test works: 24 questions in 45 minutes, an 18/24 (75%) pass mark, fees, booking, exemptions and retakes, and how to practise.
Life in the UK Test for ILR vs British Citizenship
You need the test for both ILR and citizenship, but usually take it once. The difference between settlement and citizenship, and the usual order. General information, not advice.