Booking the test

How do I book my test?

Please register, book and pay for your test online. To do this you will need to:

• Register for a Life in the UK account
• Choose a test session
• Pay for your test.

Please make sure when you register for a Life in the UK account that your personal details are right. If they are not, you might not be able to take your test.

You can book as many tests as you like, but all tests booked through your account must be for you.

The earliest test you can take is 7 days from today. Your test fee will not be refunded if you cancel your test with less than 7 days before your test is due.

Register for a Life in the UK account

Do I need to bring any identification to my test?

When you register for a Life in the UK account we'll ask what ID you'll bring with you on the day of your test.

We'll also ask you for proof of your address. Please can you bring any gas/electricity bill, bank statement, driving licence or letter from the Home Office with your name and address on it.

You won't be able to take your test without the above documents, so please don't forget to bring them with you.

Back to top

Where can I take the test?
There are around 60 test centres around the country where you can take your test in a welcoming and friendly environment. Most of them are also learning centres where you can brush up on your language or computer skills. You will be given details of your nearest test centres when you book your test.

How much will the test cost and how do I pay for it?
From 1st June 2011 the cost of the test is £50 (VAT inclusive).

Are there any identification requirements?
Yes, you need to bring photographic ID with you to your test centre to present to the test supervisor. You must bring one of the following forms of ID (please note photos on all documents must be a true likeness of you for them to be accepted and photocopies of documents will not be accepted):

• a passport (from your country of origin) - this document may be out of date
• a UK photocard driving licence, full or provisional - this document must be in date
• one of the following Home Office travel documents: a Convention Travel Document (CTD), a Certificate of Identity Document (CID) or a Stateless Person Document (SPD) - this document must be in date
• an Immigration Status Document, endorsed with a UK Residence Permit and bearing a photo of the holder - this document may be out of date
• Home Office Identity Card - ID Card will show the holder's status and entitlements (e.g. Employment Prohibited)

Do test centres cater for disability needs?
The test can be provided in a format that meets your particular needs. You will be asked to let us know about these needs when you book your test.

This will allow us to make any arrangements and provide the support you need to make sure that your disability does not influence your test result.

You can also find out about test usability preferences in the Navigation tutorial on this website. Further guidance for candidates with severe disabilities is available from the Home Office website.

The Stationery Office provide the 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship' handbook in large print, audio CD and downloadable PDF, in addition to the main text. Please visit www.tsoshop.co.uk/LIFE for more information.

How do I find out about the facilities test centres have?
You will be able to find out further information on centre facilities, like car parking and languages spoken by staff, when you book your test online. Facilities and services may not be the same in the different test centres, so you should always read the information carefully to make sure they have the facilities you need.

I'm new to computers. Is the test available in other formats?
The test will only be available to take on a computer at an official test centre. Try the Mouse training and Keyboard training to practise using a computer. The Navigation tutorial allows you to find out more about using the test.

How do I get help using a computer?
To book a test you need to have your own email address. If you don't have an email address, you can get help to create one from the go-on.co.uk website.

If you'd like more help with your computer skills, or to get internet access, you can visit your local UK Online centre. Please note that you may not be able to take your Life in the UK Test at the same centre.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, most local libraries offer free or low-cost computer and internet access.