Who does not need to take the Life in the UK Test (KoLL exemptions)
Facts checked on GOV.UK on 3 October 2026.
This page does not give immigration advice. It tells you what GOV.UK says. Your own case can be different. Read the guidance for your application, or ask a regulated immigration adviser.
What KoLL means
KoLL is short for "knowledge of language and life in the UK". It has two parts: English language, and knowledge of life in the UK. The Life in the UK Test is how most people meet the second part. Most applications for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) or for British citizenship need both parts (caseworker guidance).
Who does not need to take the test
GOV.UK lists four groups (Book the Life in the UK Test):
- people under 18
- people aged 65 or over
- people who passed the test before, for example for settlement, and now apply for citizenship
- people with a long-term physical or mental condition. They send a doctor's letter or the exemption form
Exemption because of age
For settlement, you are exempt if you are under 18, or 65 or over, on the date of your application. For citizenship, the caseworker must waive the requirement if you are 65 or over. Are you 60 to 64? Then the caseworker normally waives it if you will be 65 or over before you can reach the required level. Under 60, age alone is not normally enough (exemption because of age).
Send proof of your age with the application, for example your passport or birth certificate (evidence of age).
Exemption because of a long-term condition
The Home Office can waive the requirement if a long-term physical or mental condition makes it unreasonable for you to meet it. A doctor completes the exemption form. Send it with your application, together with your current medical reports.
Three points from the caseworker guidance (evidence of physical or mental condition):
- A condition is not an automatic exemption. Test centres can help with many disabilities, so you may still be able to take the test.
- An exemption from one part does not always give an exemption from the other part. For example, you may be exempt from the test but still need to show your English.
- An exemption for settlement does not carry over. For citizenship, you must ask for an exemption again.
Other groups
Some types of settlement application do not need KoLL at all. The caseworker guidance lists them, for example people who apply for settlement as a refugee (indefinite leave to remain). Check the guidance for your own route.
If you are not exempt
You must pass the test. It has 24 questions, and the pass mark is 75%. See the pass mark.