Test booking process changes

You will now need to book and pay for your Life in the UK test online following changes made to the booking process by the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

The new booking process applies to anyone who is booking and taking their test after 18 July 2011. Where before you had book the test either over the phone or in person at your local test centre, you now have to book online through the UKBA website.

You must first of all Register for the Life in the UK account before you can choose a convenient test session and pay for the test.

As was the case before 18 July 2011, the earliest date you can book a test for is seven days from booking. You can change the time and date of your test up to 7 days before your test, without charge.

You can use the new system to book as many tests as you like, but you can only book them for the person named on the account. You must pay for each one when you book it. You should be aware that your test fee will not be refunded if you cancel your booking less than seven days before your test.

What do I need to register?

When you register your account you will need to provide various pieces of information. This information must be accurate as if they do not match the information you bring on the day of your test you may be refused entry and will not be given a refund.

The information you must provide when registering is:

Your name
Your date of birth
Your country of birth
Your nationality
Your place of birth
Your method of ID
Your method of ID must be in date (unless this is a passport or an immigration status document)

You can change these details up to 7 days before the date of your test by logging in to your account on the UKBA website.

What happens when I get to the test centre?

You must bring the ID you used when registering your account to the test centre on the day of your test. If you arrive with a different ID you will not be allowed to take your test. Your ID will be checked to ensure that:

The photo is a true likeness of you
It is in date, where required
it matches the details you provided when you registered

You will be able to take a practice test two times before you start the real thing. The results of this test will not affect the result of your real test.

You will also be allowed to take notes but they must be handed over to the test supervisor before you leave the room. The test supervisor will destroy your notes.

As with the old system, if you pass then you will get a pass notification letter which should be signed and stamped by a test supervisor. You will not be able to get a replacement if you lose the letter. You should contact the Home Office if you do lose the letter.

Test centre information

You can find your nearest test centre by entering your postcode on the official Life in the UK test website.

You can find more detailed information about your test centre, including disabled facilities available, directions on public transport and opening times.

Test fee increased

The UKBA also recently increased the test fee from £34 to £50. You must make sure that you have enough money to pay for the test at the time you make your booking.