New Life in the UK test from March 2013

Back in November Janny made her first attempt at the Life in the UK test (LITUK).  The test is needed when the time comes for her to apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).  In addition she will also be required to pass a new B1 English test, which comes into effect from October this year.  But that's another story.  Anyway, I think at the time we knew it was too early for her to attempt the test as Janny had only really put in a month or so of decent study.  Janny had started looking at the study book before then, but it was not until her friend suggested that they go and sit the test together that she showed any real interest.  Not surprisingly Janny failed the test.  However, she still achieved what I considered to be a reasonable score, given the limited study she had done.  She managed 14 out of 24.  The pass rate is 18 out of 24, so she was reasonably pleased with herself.   We also both agreed that at the very least, it was good to get one test out of the way so that Janny would know what to expect for the next time. 

Over the past couple of months, all good intentions of continuing with her LITUK study have pretty much fallen by the wayside.  Some of the blame has to be put on me, as I haven't pushed Janny as much as I should have.  Her friend actually passed the test which was great for her, but also meant that Janny lost her study partner and someone to compete against. 

More recently, over the past couple of weeks it was announced that a new revised version of the LITUK test will come into effect from March 25th this year.  We knew it was coming some time this year, but we were not sure exactly when it would happen and hped it would be later rather than sooner.  At first we weren't sure what to do.  Whether to just buy the new study materials and wait until March to attempt the new test, or crack on and try and pass the current test before the cut-off.  Personally I was leaning more toward aiming for the new test, but Janny is adament that she wants to have another go at the current test.

So basically, for anyone with a partner new to the UK and they are considering starting their LITUK study, I would suggest that you get hold of a copy of the new books rather than trying to rush through the current version.

As with most matters of great importance, the UKBA again seems to be leaving it up to us to search out the information we need.  The only link I can find on the UKBA website is here.  At the momoent the new official study materials only seem to be available from the official LITUK website here

Good luck

Steve