• Passing the British citizenship test is an crucial step in becoming a citizen of the country.uk flag image by kolesn from Fotolia.com
  
  In 2005, the British government introduced a 45-minute citizenship test on British history, culture and society. The government requires this test for individuals who want to become British citizens or to settle permanently in the country. According to 2009 figures from the Home Office, the British government's immigration department, of the 906,464 people who took the exams, 263,641 failed the test. The passing rate was 70.9 percent during that year.
  
  The test must be taken on a computer and is a series of 24 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must score at 75 percent to pass.The questions are all based on the handbook "Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship," which can be purchased through the Home Office website. The following are unofficial questions based on the handbook.
  
  

What does it mean to be British?

• According to "Life in the U.K." handbook, you must "Respect laws, the elected political structures, traditional values of mutual tolerance and respect for rights and mutual concern."
  
  

When did all 18 year olds get the vote?

• The answer is 1969. In 1918, women over 30 years old were allowed to vote and 10 years later, the law equalized the voting rights for all men and women over 21. In 1969, the voting age was lowered to 18.
  
  

What is the order of the four national saints' days?

• St. David's falls on March 1; St. Patrick's on March 17;St. George's on April 23; and St. Andrews on November 30.
  
  

What should you do if you spill someone's pint in the pub?

• If this happens to you, you would offer to buy the person another pint. The handbook says this would be the "prudent" thing to do.
  
  

What are the two emergency telephone numbers?

• You must call 999 or 112 for an ambulance. The U.K. government added the 112 number to help foreigners who may not know that 999 is the main emergency number.
  
  

What or who is PG?

• The acronym stands for Parental Guidance which means that the parent has discretion over viewing of a film. The other classifications of film viewing are U, 12, 15 and 18.
  
  

What must dog owners do?

• The "Life in the U.K." handbook says that dog owners must still get a collar for their pets with the owner's name and address even though dog licenses were abolished in 1987.
  
  

What do you do if the police wants you to come with them for interview?

• According to the handbook, you don't have to go if you are not arrested, but if you go voluntarily, you may leave at any time.