Right, I thought I'd post on here and share my driving test experiences and provide some advice for those that are nervous/panicking about theirs.
I passed about 2 weeks ago on my 3rd attempt with 2 minors. (2 tests with one instructor and then I changed to another and passed straight away).
I failed my first test for panicking coming off a roundabout in the right lane and trying to move over to the left when there was a car there (eek awful I know) and the examiner had to grab the wheel. I was so so nervous for this and had such shaky legs on the pedals it was awful.
Second time round I failed for my following distance being less that two seconds on a dual carriageway. Again my nerves got the better of me and I was more focused on achieving the speed limit than my following distance but hey ho.
After my fails I felt that my instructor was not helping me to progress and address these issues so I changed. Anyway, the point I'm trying to get to is DONT go in for your test if you feel in your gut that you are not 100% ready. The nerves on the day will more than likely get the better of you. Also, I would say, if you feel that you are not making any progress with your instructor or you feel they are genuinely just helping you to drive not actually teaching you how to drive properly. Of course everyone wants to pass their driving test but, once on your own out of the comfortable situations you will genuinely struggle.
My second main point of advice is, although obvious, be confident. I know on the day this is hard to do as nerves are rife and that pink license is in sight but honestly, you can drive, you wouldn't be in for a test unless you were ready and your instructor thought you were perfectly capable. I feel that what worked for me was not counting down the days to it like some, but focusing on each lesson prior one at a time and working on mistakes from the last one in the next.
Honestly, it is not the be all and end all failing your driving test, although it may seem like it at the time. Have some confidence in yourself and your abilities and everything will fall in to place. The examiners want the best for you too they are not your enemy (except for when they pick you up on picky little things).
Anyway rant over, congrats to those that have passed and good luck to those with their tests in the future.