Do I need to pass Life in UK test before submitting ILR application?

[Bucko]

I'm applying for an ILR visa family route as a spouse of a British national. I've just about completed my second FLR (M) visa which expires on March 7. I intend to pay extra to get a same day decision, but I won't be able to book that until I submit my application.

Unfortunately, I have not yet sat my Life in the UK test and am unable to get a test appointment anywhere in Scotland before my visa expires.

My questions are:

Can I submit my application right up until the day my visa expires, and then choose a visa appointment much later?

And: do I need to sit the Life in the UK test before I submit the application, or could I sit it between submitting the application and the visa decision appointment?

[CR001]

Can I submit my application right up until the day my visa expires, and then choose a visa appointment much later?

Yes. Date of application is the date you submit and pay online, not the date of biometric appointment.

And: do I need to sit the Life in the UK test before I submit the application, or could I sit it between submitting the application and the visa decision appointment?

You need it before you apply online as you have to out the reference number in the form. You don't get a physical test pass letter anymore.

[Bucko]

Thank you