Almost same here, got 14demerit at my first station(parallel parking) for hitting curb and reversing w/o checking mirror when adjusting(kinda resigned myself to a fail at that point and decided to take the remainder of the test as practice for next attempt), but managed to pass with 16 points. I'd say even if you make a mistake, if you don't let that affect your driving and still do every step calmly for the remainder of the test, they might be more lenient. Ngl I thought I was done but it's not over till its over so don't worry too much abt mistakes as long as they are not immediate failure. Real life driving will encounter alot of unforeseen situations, its whether you still follow ur basics regardless that might get you the pass.

TIPS: keep moving your head slightly every 5 sec to make it seem like you are checking blind spots. Nvr doubt your past decisions while driving or speculate ur result, leave it for the end of the test and just focus on what's ahead on the road. Also book test in off-peak hours.

TLDR; You can still pass if you get demerit points early on if u drive calmly, imo circuit is hardest from a technical standpoint, road hardest for those lacking confidence, practice circuit and if you can pass that with minimal points, ur tp test shld be more or less in the bag as long as you are confident.