How to prepare for the Life in the UK test

The importance of preparation

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship is often a very intricate process that comes with specific criteria that must be met. One of the key requirements to a successful application is to pass the Life in the UK test.

The Life in the UK test is a series of questions based around British life, customs and traditions, and political affairs. More often than not, you must take this test before you apply for ILR or citizenship.

Preparation is key when it comes to passing the Life in the UK test, so, it is essential that test candidates take Life in the UK test preparation seriously to stand the best chance of passing the test to the required level.

For more information on how Birmingham Immigration Lawyers can help you with your Indefinite Leave to Remain application, call our friendly team of advisors on 0121 667 6530 for further guidance.

Is there a best way to prepare for the Life in the UK test?

Strictly speaking, there is no best way to prepare for the Life in the UK test, as everybody will learn differently. However, there are multiple resources available to help you.

It would not be wise to solely rely on your general knowledge and recollection of events, as you will never know what questions you will get until you are sitting the actual test.

Instead, it’s recommended to purchase the official Life in the UK test book, which comprehensively covers all of the topics and areas that may crop up in the test. This test book is available online in digital and print formats.

Doing as much revision as possible before your test day is recommended. You can find various sources of practice questions and practice tests online completely free. Taking an online practice test and answering practice questions will give you a better idea of what you can expect in the actual test on the day.

The study guide and practice tests

The study guide and practice tests go hand in hand when preparing for your Life in the UK test. Both tools are considered as essential to your potential success, thus, it would be a brilliant idea to seek both of these resources before you have booked your test date. The more practice questions you can get in, the better.

The study guide consists of every topic that may arise on the Life in the UK test. You should consider reading this guide in full to get a good idea of what topics you can expect to be quizzed on. The study guide is written and based on the UK Government official handbook Life in the UK: A Guide For New Residents.

After reading the guide, it is time to begin taking practice tests. This is the ideal opportunity to find out if you have any gaps in your knowledge which may require further revision and practice questions.

How to book a Life in the UK test?

You can book your Life in the UK test online. You must book your test at least 3 days before you wish to take it. There are multiple bits of information and documentation you will need to hand before you proceed with your test booking. These include:

• Your Biometric Residence Permit (If you do not have one, you can use your passport)
• Your full postal address
• Contact details- in particular, an email address
• Your bank or credit card details

When booking you should ensure you are entering the correct details before you book, as incorrect details can result in your test being voided. It is important to check you are entering your full name as it appears on your ID documents. You must remember to take these documents with you to the test centre on the day.

If you have any queries about your booking you can call the Life in the UK test helpline.

The day of the test

You will attend your chosen test centre on the day of your test. You can expect to b at the centre for approximately 2 hours. Your confirmation email will specify the time you should arrive.

First of all, you will have your identity confirmed using the documents you bring to the test centre. The name on these documents should match the name you entered on the test booking. When your identity has been confirmed you will have your photograph taken.

Valuable items, such as your mobile phone, will be locked away during the test. You will be able to retrieve these once the test is finished.

The test will commence with a short series of 4 practice test questions- it does not matter if you do not get the correct answer on these. The official test consists of 24 questions chosen at random. You must answer all 24 questions.

You will be told your result on the day of the test. If you pass, you will be issued with a pass notification letter.

What documents should I take to the test centre?

On the day of your Life in the UK test, you should take the following documents to the test centre with you:

• Your Biometric Residence Permit; or
• Your passport

You will also need to take a document showing your full name and address. You can use any of the following:

• UK photocard driving licence
• An official letter from the Home Office
• Utility bill
• Council tax bill
• Bank or credit card statement- this must be an official copy stamped and signed at your bank