Just to clarify my last post.
If you take CPL LST on a MEP and wait 8 months to apply for licence, not only is that test valid for another 4 months for licence issue, the CAA will issue the rating valid for another 4 months!
I think Linda is suggesting that in this instance, you'd get the licence but no rating- which isn't the case.
Skill test validity for rating issue is 6 months, for licence issue its 12 - and thats the same logic for MEP as well as SEP.
VJW