Are the driving test examiners looking to fail me from the start?

No. What would be the point?

The examiners approach every test on the same fair basis.

If you drive well enough to pass the test then they will let you have a driving licence. Otherwise you are in for a return trip.

The assumption at the start of every test is that you can drive properly and that you are simply taking the examiner out for a drive to prove it. If you are unfortunate enough to make any errors whilst they are there then the examiner will record them on the form. At the end of the test the errors are added up and hey presto. A result is given.