As the Skills Test may only be attempted once all other training requirements have been met, I used to use the applicant's planning time to check that all his exams had been completed, marked and signed for by the examiners and that he had achieved all the hours requirements, Q X-C etc. Also that he had everything else which was needed to send off to the Authority assuming that his Skill Test was successful.
The FE charges a lot of money for sitting and watching a Skill Test. So it's only fair that he/she confirms that the applicant is able to take the test and that all paperwork is in order during the debrief. Those who just turn up, give the applicant the brief, take the cheque, fly the trip and then hand over the Skill Test report before disappearing are letting the side down, Whopity.
But why don't FIs check the application checklist with the applicant in advance? How often have simple things like proof of identity been overlooked? Or personal flying log books been in rag order. Or exams completed, but no examiner's signature in the PPL application form...
Quality assessment of a school should include noting the average time between an applicant passing the Skill Test and receiving the licence.