I currently work mostly under Windows in a variety of languages. I prefer C# for getting things done more quickly (and reliably) but often end up having to use Python. You can get off the ground far faster in Python but your maximum altitude, range and reliability are more limited. As an introduction to programming it's OK, especially for students who don't plan on going any further. But I wouldn't use it too much before moving on to something more "structured" for anybody looking at a career in programming.

I had a similar problem a few years back. The solution I came up with was to access the card reader through a DLL. For automated testing the DLL was replaced with a test version that allowed virtual smart card "images" to be inserted/removed (data stored in files one per virtual card). This also allowed testing without someone physically swapping cards. Of course you need to ensure that the release code can't be duped into accepting a test DLL+virtual card.

Don't forget the floating bead co-processor(s) :)