All MoT stations have to have a viewing area available for you to watch the test being done. The tester will be on a lot more money that the ‘normal’ mechanics as they’re an asset to any garage, not because of looking to fail cars, but bringing the cars in to the business. Before the system went computerised and all the timings were logged (there was also a minimum time to perform the test), there used to be someone doing the test and someone else writing the certificates up with the cars just being pumped through. There was a lot of furore from the ‘back street’ garages as this computerisation harmed their income somewhat. I was a Snap-On Tool Franchisee at the back end of the 90’s…
A man from the Ministry could be sitting outside in their car, logged on to the system to see how long the test took, see when it finished then go and examine the car which had passed or failed. A few garages were caught out like this and the consequences severe
You can also take your car to a Council workshop where they do taxis, public service vehicles etc. as the test is unbiased with no interest in looking for work but you will pay the full recommended price