Hi Robin,
Do not be put off, it took to my third test to pass some 46 years ago. My first test should have been cancelled because of the 4 inches of snow at the test center but wasn't, Test number two the instructors car had a new clutch put in the day before the test, sadly with even an extra hour before the test I could not get used to it, the biting point was almost to the top of the peddle. Test number 3 came like a dream and the examiner even cut down the rest time.
My instructor always said that examiners always failed a percentage no matter how they drove. At least I was never one of cases where the examiner had to dive the car back.
Better luck next time.
Regards
Alan