The Life in the UK Test is a compulsory requirement for most people wanting to apply for British citizenship or permanent residence (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain or settlement). Many people argue that they shouldn’t be required to take the test because they’ve lived in the UK for most of their lives or because they are already fluent in English and have professional qualifications to prove it. Unfortunately, the Home Office still requires you to pass the test.

Exceptions
There are some people do not need to take the test.  You don’t need to take the test if you are in any of the following circumstances:

• You are under 18 years of age or over 65 years of age
  
• You have a significant physical or mental health condition. This condition must prevent you from studying for or taking the test, or from studying for an ESOL qualification.
  

There are also special exemptions for people who are only applying for permanent residence. These exemptions apply to:

• Foreign and Commonwealth citizens on discharge from HM Forces (including Ghurkhas where the qualifying period has been met)
  
• Spouses of foreign and Commonwealth citizens on discharge from HM Forces (including Ghurkhas)
  
• Bereaved spouses, bereaved unmarried partners and bereaved civil partners
  
• Parents, grandparents and other dependent relatives living in exceptionally compassionate circumstances, who are joining a person already present and settled in the UK
  
• Retired persons of independent means
  
• Spouses, civil partners, unmarried or same sex partners of British citizens or persons settled in the UK, who are permanent members of HM Diplomatic Service; staff members of the British Council on a tour of duty abroad; and staff members of the Department for International Development
  
• EEA/EU nationals
  
• Turkish ECAA nationals
  

Note that these exemptions only apply to people seeking settlement. If you wish to subsequently apply for British citizenship then these exemptions do not apply.

If you have a visual or hearing impairment then this will not exempt you from the test. Most test centres are well equipped to assist people with such disabilities. Check with your local test centre to see if they can accommodate you. If they can not, then contact the Home Office for guidance on completing your application for settlement or citizenship.

If your English language skills are lower than ESOL Entry 3 then you may find the test too difficult. In these cases, you should attend combined English language (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead. Most local further education or community colleges run these courses.