Safe driving is something I've been a stickler for, especially in the last two years. When you go for your practical road test be sure to obey the rules of the road according to the state/province you reside in. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your friends who have taken their tests and, most important, don't be afraid to question your instructor. Even if you think the question is stupid, go ahead and ask because it's better to be well informed and look foolish for the asking than it is to be a ignorant driver.
As many people have said here, driving defensively is a must. If you get out there with an aggressive attitude you will slip up, you will misjudge and you will wreck. Car wrecks suck.
Maintain distances. I'm glad it's been brought up in this topic but it bears repeating; keep you distance from other cars and keep your eyes open for other people on the road. It sounds like a horrible thing to do but it is better to assume that those around you are complete psychotic retards with car keys. Assume the worst and it will put you more on edge. You will be more alert to your surroundings and better able to adjust to changing driving conditions.
What hasn't been talked about in this topic so far are bigger vehicles. Outside of the discussion of SUVs having bad drivers (usually true, by the way) you have to keep your eyes open for your friendly commercial vehicles and respect their space because, should you get into a scrap with one of them, you will lose. A good rule for larger vehicles (generally speaking, anything with a trailer and/or more than six wheels) is this: if you can't see the driver's eyes in one of his/her mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Avoid sudden braking or erratic behaviors around larger vehicles because they cannot react as quickly as you can. Also, respect the fact that commercial vehicles are on the road to work. These drivers work the roads for a living and it's really rude to be a complete asshat to someone trying to make a living.
Aside from observing your own blind spots, pay attention to the blind spots of those around you and put some common sense into your driving. If you don't think you're in a safe place on the road, change it.
Good driving is important, but it's hard to be a good driver if your vehicle is a rusted out shitbox. Granted, I realize that not everyone can have shiny new cars but do yourself a favor and at least keep up the basics. Check your engine's fluid levels on a regular basis, keep your tire pressures regulated, keep your brakes in good shape and never drive a vehicle that you think is unsafe. Check all of your lights regularly and, should you blow a light, it's best to replace it in a pair (IE if you blow the left headlight, change the right one, too).
As for me, personally, I've never had any serious problems obtaining my license at any point in my life. I got my first permit at 15 (gotta love Michigan), got my first commercial license at 16 and at 18 I was licensed to drive semi-trucks. The practical parts of the tests weren't really a problem 1) because I studied my books and 2) because my whole family drives for a living. I've taken two road tests and the worst problems I had on both had to do with parking. Getting my regular driver's license I nearly flunked my parallel parking portion because the pick-up I road tested in wouldn't fit into the parking spot (gotta love Michigan). Getting my commercial license I was asked to blind-side into a spot marked off with cones and I clipped a couple of the cones.
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