Yael and other test-passers, do you have any driving test tips?

I think my main mistake was not getting an instructor that was just right for me.

Very true. My first instructor was a male and giggled the entire lesson. Thankfully his schedule did not work with mine so I had to get a new instructor. She spoke with a calm voice and did not once giggle. 

I had to change instructors 3 times!

I had to change instructors 3 times!

Eeck!

I was determined not to pay money to someone that i didn't like, and the first 2 were total gits.

I changed too because my first driving instructor was a dirty old man, that touched me WAY TOO MUCH!  My second instructor was hot, and more importantly patient, I spent only 4 hours with him and passed.

My 3rd instructor touched my thigh quite often, but i decided i could live with that, as he had a decent enough personality and didn't reek of stale garlic like no.2 did!

I tried 3 before I found one that was laid back, patient and funny. The first one spoke to me like I was a naughty 4 year old child, the second one had ZERO sense of humour.

Best of luck. It CAN be done! 

My top tip are these 3 letters: MSM (Mirror, Signal, Maneuver)
You can't be too observant. Constantly look in all your mirrors, don't just depend on the rear view mirror.
My other top tip is to stay calm. The calmer you are, the easier it is to remember all the steps in your maneuvers and to keep track of all the rules of the road that you will encounter.
And if you fail, so what? Just book another test. And keep taking it until you pass.
4th time was a charm with me and I feel it made me a better driver.

I appreciate all the advice.  It wasn't the thread making me nervous, just the test itself and thinking of it.  I really wish I had know I could take it earlier in an instructor's car.  I would be done then.  I didn't do that since I thought I needed a car first and now my job depends on me getting my license.  I also need it immediately as my US one is at an end.  I'm calling in again today.  I'm so sick of the DVLA though.  I've repeatedly tried to book online and had problems with it.  They don't accept my debit card for some reason.

I need to keep a handle on the anxiety.  I know it won't help my test any.  It's easier said than done though when so much rides on it.

Did anyone see the BBC movie on Sunday about the driving instructors and students.  David Tennant was in it.  I had a real sympathy for them!

I appreciate all the advice.  It wasn't the thread making me nervous, just the test itself and thinking of it.  I really wish I had know I could take it earlier in an instructor's car.  I would be done then.  I didn't do that since I thought I needed a car first and now my job depends on me getting my license.  I also need it immediately as my US one is at an end.  I'm calling in again today.  I'm so sick of the DVLA though.  I've repeatedly tried to book online and had problems with it.  They don't accept my debit card for some reason.

I need to keep a handle on the anxiety.  I know it won't help my test any.  It's easier said than done though when so much rides on it.

Did anyone see the BBC movie on Sunday about the driving instructors and students.  David Tennant was in it.  I had a real sympathy for them!

I can definitely understand the extra stress/pressure of needing to drive for work. I presume you have researched public transport/car pool options in case you don't pass in time?

It isn't about that.  I can get to the office fine, but I do social work and have to get around conveniently to various people's homes anywhere in the Vale.  It is actually a job requirement for me to have my own transportation.

Do you have to drive a stick shift?!  All the tips are for a manual car.  I've always driven and automatic and have tried numerous times to try and drive a stick and just can't get the hang of it.  Am I doomed?!

Do you have to drive a stick shift?! 

No.  If you take your test in an automatic, you are only licensed to drive an automatic (which isn't a big deal, IMO).

Do you have to drive a stick shift?!  All the tips are for a manual car.  I've always driven and automatic and have tried numerous times to try and drive a stick and just can't get the hang of it.  Am I doomed?!

You can take your test in an automatic, but then you will only be licenced to drive an automatic and if you wish to drive a manual (stick shift) in the future, you will have to take the test again in a manual car.

However, if you take the test in a manual car when you get here, you will then be licenced to drive both manual and automatic cars. Since the majority of cars driven in the UK are manual, you might want to take the test in one, as automatics are less common here.

EDIT: Sorry x-posted with Lola

Thanks for the info.  I've tried sooooo many times to learn the manual, but it just doesn't click for me. I'll get an automatic when I get there probably, but won't be the primary driver I'm guessing since I can't navigate my way around too well!