In the UK you have to do a MEP skills test separately before you can do an ME IR Skills test.
Not true. The only requirement is to have completed the training - there is no requirement to have passed the skill test. It is perfectly acceptable to have an MEIR issued without ever having passed the MEP skill test and to then proceed directly to an MPA type rating course. Mind you, there are those who have followed this route and, having either failed the MPA type rating course or failed to find a position in an MPA, have then fallen outside the 6 month period for the skill test and have had to repeat the whole MEP class rating course.
Is this another back to front sentence, where they meant 6 months after completion of the course, rather than commencement?
No, it is simply a conjunction of two separate but interdependent requirements from JAR-FCL1. There is no acceptable reason for an MEP class rating course to last more than 6 months nor for the application for issue to be delayed for more than 6 months after passing the skill test.