This would be good for JAA ATPL tests, you could have certain nominated test centers throughout the UK set up with pc's, you could then schedule the exam for when you wanted provided thee were spaces left at the centre. A random test would then be generated fro the question bank and a result would be rcorded and available in minutes
That is exactly how it is done in Sweden. It costed me about £100 in total in CAA charges to become a nominated test center as well as a nominated invigilator. It is just paperwork to become a nominated test center while you need to attend the CAA for a one day course to become a nominated invigilator.
Basically, if someone wants to take a CAA test they call me and the test can be made on most internet-connected computers, which must be located in a room suitable for the test (some formal criterias are to be met). I think that the CAA charges something in the region of £10-20 per ATPL test + any fee charged by the test centre/invigilator.
If it was done on-line maybe one could elect to do it in the UK anyway?
True, but the school that endorses you for the test has to be registered by the Swedish CAA which also means medical in Sweden, CPL training by a Swedish school etc. It could however be interesting for those that already posses a CPL or if it's just IR theory. In that case UK schools might consider to register as an FTO in Sweden and the tests could be made at the school in the UK providing they are registered as an approved test center with an approved invigilator.