Keygrip,
I can only say I did the two day course and the simulated test with the same FIE. Whether that was wrong or not I am not sure, but they issued the authorisation.
On my CRE test I had N Ashley playing my candidate and doing doing the examining (of me that was). Think the official line is that they prefer two but can do it alone.
Don't know where the nearest FIE is to lock wire. The CAA list is alphabetical, rather than geographical. If I have time I'll scan it in and post it somewhere.
Gerard