My daughter(17 in August) failed her first one last October(the parallel parking/3pt. turn got her right out of the gate!)
She had only driven her car a few times before the test and wasn't familiar with the lower profile compared to driving my van.
It was a godsend, because she is impatient and not real mature as far as I'm concerned, and seldom drove in snowy/icy conditions. She has had the car since she turned 17(older grand prix), so drives with my DH or me in the vehicle.
She use to race go-carts and has driven several motorized vehicles(boats, mini-bikes, motorcycles) in her young life, so driving a car comes naturally, so does the need for speed.
I'm waiting for her grades to come up and her attitude to change before I schedule the next test....and IMO, she should pay for this one on her own($45).
I got my license in the late '70's and passed the first time. I truly don't think many kids are mature enough at 16 to handle that responsibility...though some states it is 14!