---
title: "Do I Need the Life in the UK Test for ILR? | UK Test Mate"
description: "Most Indefinite Leave to Remain applications require the Life in the UK Test as part of the KoLL requirement. Who needs it, who does not, and what to do next."
url: https://uktestmate.co.uk/ilr/do-i-need-the-test/
site: UK Test Mate — free Life in the UK Test practice
licence: Free to read and cite with attribution to https://uktestmate.co.uk/ilr/do-i-need-the-test/
---
# Do I need the Life in the UK Test for ILR?

For most people, yes. It is one half of the knowledge of language and life requirement that applies to the majority of settlement routes.

## The short answer

If you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain and you are **aged 18 to 64**, you will almost certainly need to pass the Life in the UK Test before you apply. It is not something you do during the application or afterwards — you need the pass in hand, because the application asks for your test reference number.

## You do not need it if

- **You are under 18** at the date of application.
- **You are 65 or over** at the date of application.
- **You have a long-term physical or mental condition** that prevents you from taking it. This needs supporting evidence from a doctor — see [exemptions](https://uktestmate.co.uk/ilr/exemptions/).
- **You already passed it.** The pass does not expire. If you sat it years ago for a different application, it still counts.
- **Your route does not carry a KoLL requirement.** A small number of settlement routes are outside it entirely. Because this varies by route and changes, check the page for your specific visa on GOV.UK rather than assuming.

Immigration rules, fees and waiting periods are set by the Home Office and change without notice. Always confirm the current requirements for your own visa route on [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/settle-in-the-uk) before you book or apply. This page is general information, not immigration advice.

## Routes that normally do require it

The requirement applies broadly across the common settlement routes — work routes such as Skilled Worker, family routes including partner and parent visas, long-residence applications, and settlement following most other qualifying periods of leave. If your route requires a continuous qualifying period before you can apply, it almost certainly requires KoLL too.

## What "KoLL" actually means

Knowledge of language and life is a single requirement with two separate pieces of evidence:

1. **The Life in the UK Test** — a pass, taken at an approved centre.
2. **English language** — usually at CEFR level B1 or above in speaking and listening, evidenced by an approved test, a degree taught in English, or nationality of a majority English-speaking country. See [the English requirement](https://uktestmate.co.uk/ilr/english-language-requirement/).

Both are needed. Passing the Life in the UK Test does not satisfy the English half, even though the test itself is in English.

## What to do next

1. Check the GOV.UK page for your exact visa route to confirm KoLL applies to you.
2. Sit a practice paper cold to see where you stand — it takes 45 minutes.
3. Revise the weak areas, then book the real test at an approved centre.
4. Keep the pass notification safe. You will need the reference number twice: for ILR, and again for citizenship if you apply later.

> **Find out where you stand in 45 minutes** — 24 questions · 45 minutes · pass at 18 · free, no account → [Start a free exam](https://uktestmate.co.uk/practice-exams/exam-1/)

## Related

- [Who is exempt](https://uktestmate.co.uk/ilr/exemptions/) — Age and medical exemptions in detail.
- [ILR test vs citizenship test](https://uktestmate.co.uk/ilr/ilr-vs-citizenship-test/) — Why they are the same test.
- [What is the pass mark?](https://uktestmate.co.uk/answers/pass-mark/) — 18 out of 24 explained.

---

UK Test Mate is an independent revision site, not affiliated with the Home Office or UK Visas and Immigration. Book the official test at GOV.UK. Source: https://uktestmate.co.uk/ilr/do-i-need-the-test/