mate I feel your pain at having failed the test. I didn't get mine first time either, and when looking back, to be honest I probably didn't deserve the time that I passed.
It took me a good couple of years before I was truly competent behind the wheel. That didn't stop me driving like a dickhead with my mates though, thankfully I never had a serious accident.
Like some of the other guys here I have held a variety of vehicle licences and spent heaps of time on the road with work and have come across heaps of accidents that can be mostly put down to a lack of common sense and poor basic driving skills.
After spending a large amount of time on two wheels over the last 10 years, it has given me a real appreciation for the amount of dickheads out there on the road, particularly P platers. This is not directed just at you, but as a nation we really need to increase driver education and skills. maybe the L's needs to go for longer, with more hours, or a compulsary subject needs to be run through schools from Yr 6 up?
what ever the case, I hope that you pass your test next time round
cheers
Dave