Make cycle awareness a core part of the driving test

Let me be very clear - I don't think, and have never said, that 'everyday' driving is the same as 'driving test driving', and experience is just as important as education; however, there is also a very clear correlation between good education and good driving practice. Your assertion that pro-cyclist training is pointless because 'all practice goes out the window' is demonstrably false; a higher level of driver education leads to a better standard of driving - this has been proven statistically, regardless of your personal anecdotes. To put it another way - if 'all the practice goes out the window' then an untrained driver would be just as safe as a well-trained one!

Okay, so you think you can change peoples attitudes via a one off driving test when they are 17. I think you are vastly over estimating the typical driver who will still not give a shit about cyclists and given the choice would not have them on the road.
Cyclists are a nuisance to them, they get in the way and slow them down and anything they were taught leading up to a test will be totally forgotten.

And yes, an untrained driver (via the current driving test method) is just as safe assuming they have common sense, awareness, empathy for other road users etc,. Those that don't are the ones that put you in danger every time you ride (test or no test)