Life in the UK test · English speaking test
Practice for the two UK settlement tests
Free speaking practice in your browser, and clear guides to the English test and the Life in the UK test.
- A free speaking check with an AI examiner, 3 to 4 minutes
- Guides checked against GOV.UK and the exam boards' own pages, with dates
- Works on your phone or computer
A practice estimate, not an official result. Not connected to the Home Office or any exam board.
Examiner AI examiner
Tell me about a festival you enjoy. What do people do?
Listening… take your time
- A1
- A2
- B1Practice estimate
- B2
- C1
- C2
From 26 March 2027
The English level for settlement is going up
For most ILR applications made on or after 26 March 2027, the rules ask for English at B2 in speaking and listening, up from B1. Citizenship stays at B1.
- A1
- A2
- B1Applied before 26 March 2027
- B2Applied on or after 26 March 2027
- C1
- C2
- B1 Applied before 26 March 2027
- B2 Applied on or after 26 March 2027
On 31 October 2026, no B2 speaking-and-listening test was on the GOV.UK approved list yet. See what's changing · B2 test tracker
Two tests, one place
Settlement and citizenship applications usually use two separate tests. Here is each one in short.
The English speaking and listening test
Free speaking check · Which tests are approved · GESE Grade 5 explained · GESE Grade 7 explained
The Life in the UK test
Where do you want to start?
Answer questions out loud to an AI examiner. Get a practice estimate and things to work on.
The B2 ruleWhat changes for settlement, who stays at B1, and quotes from the rules.
Starts 26 March 2027 B2 test trackerWhich B2 speaking and listening tests exist, and which you can book.
None approved yet English tests for ILRThe approved speaking and listening tests side by side: price, length, format.
GESE Grade 5 (B1)The topic form, the 10-minute exam, and the questions you ask.
On the approved list GESE Grade 7 (B2)The topic you lead, the interactive part, and the conversation.
Announced, not bookable yet Life in the UK pass ratesHow many tests are taken each quarter, and how many are passed.
How we check factsWhere our facts come from, and how we date and log every change.
Life in the UK test: how many pass
Show the numbers
| Year | Tests taken |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 179,849 |
| 2012 | 151,036 |
| 2013 | 152,457 |
| 2014 | 165,738 |
| 2015 | 174,923 |
| 2016 | 133,490 |
| 2017 | 130,983 |
| 2018 | 159,566 |
| 2019 | 170,061 |
| 2020 | 172,973 |
| 2021 | 198,586 |
| 2022 | 199,728 |
| 2023 | 276,998 |
| 2024 | 317,555 |
| 2025 | 347,203 |
75.9%
of tests were passed, year to June 2026
425,612
tests taken in that year
81.9%
pass rate for settlement tests
68.9%
pass rate for citizenship tests
Why Settle Prep
Checked, with dates
Every fact links to GOV.UK, the Immigration Rules or the exam board's own page, with the date we read it.
Plain English
Short sentences and no jargon, for people who read English as a second language.
Practice that talks back
Answer out loud to an AI examiner, then get a practice estimate and things to work on.
Your voice stays private
Recordings are not kept. The text of your answers is deleted within 30 days. The services we use are named on our privacy page.
How does your English sound today?
Answer a few questions out loud to an AI examiner. You get a practice estimate of your level and three things to work on.
Free · 3 to 4 minutes · a practice estimate, not an official result
Common questions
Are the Life in the UK test and the English test the same thing?
No. They are two separate tests. The Life in the UK test has 24 questions about British life. The English test checks speaking and listening. Settlement and citizenship applications usually use both.
Is it B1 or B2 for ILR?
On most routes, the rules ask for B1 for applications made before 26 March 2027, and B2 for applications made on or after it. Some routes stay at B1, and so does citizenship. We can't say which applies to you: check GOV.UK or find a regulated adviser.
Is Settle Prep an official site?
No. It's an independent practice site, not connected to the Home Office or any exam board. Book real tests only with an approved provider, or on GOV.UK for the Life in the UK test.
Settle Prep is not a government service. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Home Office, Trinity College London, IELTS, LanguageCert or Pearson. We explain what the rules say in general; we can't tell you what applies to you. For that, check GOV.UK or a regulated adviser.
Sources
We read each of these on the date shown and last checked this page on 31 October 2026.
- Explanatory memorandum to HC 1691, para 5.62 read 31 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test read 31 October 2026
- Home Office: Visas, status and immigration data: April to June 2026 (ODS), table LUK_01 read 31 October 2026
- GOV.UK: List of approved secure English language tests taken in the UK (ODS) read 31 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk: The British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003, regulation 5A read 31 October 2026
Get an email when the rules or the tests change
We'll email you when the B2 rules or the English tests change, and when full mock exams are ready. Plain English, with the date and the source.