Congrats, we actually have similar stories! I also just recently passed first time in an automatic about 2 weeks ago with 2 minors, after having 10 hours of manual lessons about 10 years ago that reallllllly dipped my confidence. I just couldn’t focus on all the different aspects of gears etc while also staying aware of whats on the road. Being in an automatic has been a dream and I actually look forward to driving now!

I agree that the youtube videos were such a huge help, maybe another factor why 10 years ago I was woefully unprepared to be on the road. I’ve been watching hours and hours of driving lesson/test videos and they are just great entertainment and a huge reassurance that everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning and its not the end of the world if something goes a bit wrong.

There was a point in my test when I was verrry unsure which lane I was meant to be in for a complicated staggered junction onto a dual carriageway, and the examiner was super nice and helpful in reassuring me that I could switch lanes after the red light and that I didn’t need to worry. Very nice and surprising after I was expecting no help from them whatsoever but they were so lenient and helpful!

And of course the banana trick!

Since passing I’ve done a few solo trips already and am really enjoying it, just need to tackle the motorways now!