Who is exempt from the Life in the UK Test?
Most people applying for settlement or citizenship have to take it. GOV.UK sets out exemptions in two broad situations: age, and a long-term physical or mental condition that makes taking the test unreasonable. You also do not retake it if you have already passed it (checked 2026-08-23).
Have you already passed it once?
Then you do not sit it again. GOV.UK is explicit that passing the test for a settlement application means not having to retake it when applying for citizenship. You quote the same unique reference number.
Exemption on medical grounds
GOV.UK publishes a form for claiming exemption because of a long-term physical or mental condition, supported by evidence from a doctor. The decision is made by a Home Office caseworker on that evidence. A doctor supplies the evidence; they do not grant the exemption.
The exemption guidance does not name specific conditions such as ADHD or dyslexia. Each case is assessed individually on medical evidence. Caseworker guidance also indicates that whether reasonable adjustments could make the test achievable is weighed before an exemption is granted.
Source: GOV.UK exemption guidance
Is a learning difference an exemption?
Not automatically, and this is the most common misunderstanding on the subject. See exemption with ADHD or dyslexia for what the published guidance does and does not say.
Adjustment or exemption — which do you need?
An adjustment changes how you sit the test: equipment, or help getting into and around the centre. An exemption means not sitting it at all. People routinely go looking for the second when the first is what applies to them. See reasonable adjustments explained.
Is there a fee waiver?
That is a separate question from exemption, and it concerns the much larger application fees rather than the test itself. See paying for citizenshipfor what GOV.UK publishes about costs and payment.
Before you rely on any of this
Exemption decisions turn on the specifics of an individual case. This page describes the published process; it does not tell you where you stand. If your situation is not clear-cut, a registered immigration adviser is the right person to ask.
Last reviewed . Rules and fees change — check GOV.UK before you act.