Why take the Life in the UK test?
Asking to become a permanent resident (permanent residence means you can stay in the UK with no time limit) or a British citizen is a big step. It is also a promise. When you apply, you are agreeing to take on a permanent resident's responsibilities and to respect the UK's laws, values and traditions. Passing the Life in the UK test is one way to show that you are ready for life here in the long term.
The handbook itself has a clear aim: to help you settle into society, play a full part in your local community, and learn the basics of British culture, law and history.
What you need
Whether you want permanent residence or want to become a British citizen by naturalisation (the way someone who was not born British applies for citizenship), you have to meet two conditions. You must be able to speak and read English, and you must have a good understanding of life in the UK.
In practice, this means doing two things. It is not a choice between them: you need both.
This is the test this site helps you prepare for.
You must give acceptable evidence that your English speaking and listening reach level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), an international scale of language levels. B1 is the same as ESOL Entry Level 3.
ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. These are English classes for people whose first language is not English, and Entry Level 3 is one of the levels.
How do you prove your English? One way is a pass in a recognised English test, taken at an approved test centre. For all the details, see the website of the Home Office, the government department in charge of immigration.
The requirements may change. Before you apply for settlement (another word for permanent residence) or for citizenship, check the Home Office website for the rules that apply at that moment.
Quiz
Which of the following statements is correct?
You need both: a Life in the UK test pass, and evidence of English speaking and listening at B1. It is not a choice between the two.