Being a British citizen doesn't mean you have to lose your own identity. There will, however, be things about life in the UK that you should know about before you become a citizen.

That's why the Life in the UK Test has been introduced. Studying for and taking the test will give you the practical knowledge you need to live in this country and to take part in society.

The test contains 24 questions on life in the United Kingdom and will last for 45 minutes. It's based on chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the handbook 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship', which you can buy from large book stores.

Don't worry if you don't pass the test the first time that you try it; you can try again when you feel ready. There's no limit to the number of times you can take the test.

To book a Life in the UK test simply call 0161 445 8934 at least seven days before you want to take your test. An operator will let you know which test dates are available and will help you to book a test. You’ll be asked for your name, telephone contact number and which type of identification you’ll be bringing with you on the day of the test. After that all you have to do is attend the Centre on the day that you’ve booked and we’ll do the rest.

Test times:
Tests are run at 4pm Monday to Friday. You should arrive at the centre for 3:30pm for registration. An extra test session is also available on Friday morning at 10am, arrive at the centre for 9:30am

Tests are also run on the last Saturday of the month at 10am, 11:30am and 1pm. Please arrive 30 minutes earlier to allow time for registration.

Call the test centre on 0161 445 8934 for Saturday dates currently available.
           
Tests cost:
£33.28 cash, to be paid on the day of the test.

Identity Proof:
A valid passport, approved travel document, residence permit or UK photo driving licence must be brought with you on the day of the test.

Results:
Test results will be given to you after the test session is complete.

Miscellenous:
You should expect to be at the test centre for about 90 minutes.
 If you have special needs, please let us know about them when you book the test.
If you need to change the test date, you need to inform us 7 days in advance

The following information is provided to help answer any other questions that you may have.

Information about Life in the UK Test
Life in the UK Test Helpline 08000 154 245
Life in the UK Website: www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk

Information about Citizenship Applications
Nationality Helpline: 0845 010 5200
Nationality Website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

Information about Settlement (ILR) Applications
Immigration and Nationality Enquiry Bureau: 0870 606 7766
Email enquiries: INDpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

People who have already taken the test had this to say about their experience:

• "I've never used a computer before, but found it quite easy – it was always clear what to do."
• "The test wasn't as hard to use or as stressful as I expected, and I finished well before the time was up."
• "The staff at the test centre were really friendly and made me feel less nervous about taking the test."