I got my Learners Permit when I was 16 1/2, the earliest age I could get my LP. After I got it, I started practising. This was very scary for me. I had trouble getting the clutch right. I woud normally let it out too quickly. I would find the quietest roads when I was with my dad. Didn't have this option with the driving instructor, but at least he would have his own controls. I so wanted to avoid driving as much as I could, but then getting my license was also very important for me.
Test drove a couple of manuals when I was looking for a car (before I got my full license), and ended up buying a automatic because I didn't feel comfortable with a manual. I passed my test on the second attempt, a few months after my 17th birthday.
In those days I would have been terrified of city traffic, because all my driving had been in the country. Now driving with lots of cars around is almost second nature, and I am totally comfortable with almost whatever situation I am faced with.