I received reply from Home Office and they said that there is no expiry time.  I also asked them why it took several minutes for their site to come up. Can anyone check and see if they are having same problems with Home office site.  I am checking right now and it has passed 3 minutes mark and still no sign of this site coming up.  It took 5 minutes and 35 seconds to come up.  Here is the link for you guys to check.  I have problem with their site only.
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/british_nationality.html
and below is their answer that I received.  This question also addresses the long delay issue that I asked.
From "IND.INPDL@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk"
"No time limit on test.  Possibly a problem with the server, just tried it myself problem seems to have been resolved"

When do I take the test?
You should take the test before you apply for naturalisation as a British citizen, provided you meet all the other requirements for naturalisation. The Home Office website provides more information on how to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. If you pass the test, you are given a letter which proves you have been successful. This is called your pass notification letter. You will need to attach your pass notification letter to your filled-in citizenship application form and send both to the Home Office. The Home Office will retain the information it gets from test centres for a reasonable period. However, you should submit your application as soon as possible after taking the test.

i read the above on the life in the Uk test website.... i am giving the test in a few days time and i still have about 7 months to apply for the naturalisation....is that soon enough to apply

as they say 'However, you should submit your application as soon as possible after taking the test.'

Hi Sonia

My suggestion, wait till you qualify and then take the test.  May be by that time they may remove the test completely. Why would you wnat to take the test now?

Wait till you are ready. Its too easy so you shouldn't worry about anything and wait just befor e applying.  Test should be last thing you do before applying.

Waheed

i was only thinking of saving the panic at the last moment lest i dont get the test centres too busy at the time and would delay my application as well. can i use the same email address you mentioned above as a reply from the home office to ask them the same question at all?

thanks for your reply

regards

sonia

I say, DON'T create a Panic when there is none. Home office may be saying now that it has no expiry time but can you honestly believe them. They may bring a new rule and in 6-7 month may not even have a test.

But if you insist, take the test by all means.  I was just trying to answer it the best way I can and save you money.

The e-mail I had was from their Web site so yes, you can ask them questions.

no worries i was just telling you the reason why i asked the question in the first place. i appreciate your help, and i agree.

take care and thanks

I am still waiting answer from the Home
Office but I called few places and found this out.

I called my Test Centre and they gave me
the number for ?Life in the UK?
section of Learn Direct. Their Number is 0800 0154245.

According to their representative, once you
pass the test, it is valid for indefinite period. So I questioned them to get a reference in
writing or any URL on the Internet, which they fail to provide. They gave me Home Office number 0845 0105200 (Local Charges applied).

I will wait couple of days to see if they
reply to my e-mail and then I will call them.

So I still say the best practice is take
the test last, first get ready everything like documents and passports and make
sure you meet all the conditions.

Good Luck and when you find answer, post it
here for everyone?s benefit.

Waheed