There are five exemptions to the English language requirement:
There is no test centre in the applicant’s country of normal residence.
The applicant is aged 65 or over,
or under 18 at the time of application.
The applicant has a Bachelor’s degree or higher which was taught or researched in English and evaluated by UK NARIC as meeting or exceeding the recognised standard in the UK.
The applicant is a national of a majority English-speaking country as defined by the UKBA.
Mental or physical incapacity, or exceptional compassionate circumstances, which would prevent the applicant from meeting the English language requirement.