Council MOT testing centre in Croydon

I wouldn't bother. If the testing station is primarilary for taxis and buses,
1. They are VERY strict on taxis
2. They will resent you taking up their valuable time, and will fail you on the slightest thing.

I've had about 60 MoTs in my time, watched the inspector throughout and had good and bad IMHO. Generally bad from countrywide companies who fail the MoT to generate business and generally good from local garages who want to build up a good client base. They do of course fail when warranted but will warn you that something is on its way out eg worn discs, lightly blowing exhaust rather than fail outright. Based on Martin's recommendation I tried Harrogate Council this year. They had very few tests on. I watched and they were very thorough but as they don't do repairs they have no interest in generating business. I did however get the impression that they had a reputation to protect and that they erred on the safe side ie failed if marginal call. Re-test was free however, even though they were entitled to another fee. On balance I'd go for a small local garage which does MoTs.