I was always told 12 hours (Over the night time) and I could drink only Plain Water during this period. The Blood Test sample being taken the following morning.
Bit of advice - Drink Plain Water half hour before the Blood Test is taken as this will help the blood being taken to flow easier, and AVOID all forms of EXERCISE as walking/cycling to the Surgery or Hospital will artificially lower your fasting Blood/Glucose level., also get the test done in the morning and not after mid-day as B/G levels naturally rise in the afternoons.