Test it for what? You're going to be moving it again anyway right? You've got it running locally, test it there, then move it to the paid hosting. No need to add an unnecessary middle step.
I remember when I was in first year of Uni we used to use Brinkster.com but I think they're charging now for their basic test hosting.

Cool. I hope you don't take my post the wrong way, just trying to save you some time. A lot of hosting companies these days offer testing areas with your hosting. Might be worth looking into that. It'll mean you don't end up with site files in 3 different locations. If they don't then you can set it up and keep it private to those that need to see it while you tighten it up ready to go live.
I remember when I was in first year of Uni we used to use Brinkster.com but I think they're charging now for their basic test hosting.
Not at all KJ. I am here to learn and from what I hear from grapevine, you are quite an expert in the "web" dept so please feel free to suggest anything valuable.
I did not know that hosting companies provide testing areas. Hmmm. Interesting.
Any particular web host you may suggest mate?
I've used Kualo, Easily and Mosso in the past, all have their goods and bads but the one that I've found excellent is Kualo, I've moved all my sites there and have been with them for 2 years now.
Best thing to do is talk to tech people before you buy hosting and ask all the questions you have because with most companies once you buy into a hosting contract it can be tricky to get out of it before 12 months.
Make sure that your hosting provides daily backups to a remote location also, and also provides cpanel or an equivalent so that you can do your own maintenance.