John,
I have done the same some years ago so to answer your questions:
1. Yes you can, it is like a LPC and when done at own expense you can do it any time you like.
2. Depends on your skills but count on 2 hours.
3.
www.iagouk.com is highly recommended, very professional and friendly TRE's at low cost, they use the sim at Oxford Aviation Academy and Alteon both in Crawley.
When are you planning on doing it since I might be wanting to get current again myself so we could share the cost? PM me if you like.