i reckon i'll be grand.
No, actually I think you won't be grand.
I'm just remembering back about 7 or 8 years ago I left everything till the last minute and after passing NCT the NTA managed to get me an appointment in Waterford just a day before my license expired so I had to drive to Waterford (2 hours) to pass my suitability test or else be hit with a late renewal fee.
I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings DMG but I reckon you will have to pay the Monkee late renewal fee upfront and then make a refund claim fer the 250 if you happen to pass suitability within the next 10 days.