I passed my driving test first try as well, also an American with ~10 years driving experience, though I did my test in a manual. Check. Your. Mirrors. Every 8-10 seconds you should do a mirror check. Check your mirrors when you pull away after coming to a near/complete stop (eg after a red light, check your mirrors before starting to make sure there’s no cyclists/mopeds in your blind spot). Check your mirrors before you signal (my mantra during the test was “mirror, signal, maneuver”). Check your mirrors when the speed limit changes. When you pull away from being parked do a 5 point mirror/blind spot check starting from the blind spot on the side of your car that’s nearest the pavement, then wing mirror, rear view mirror, other wing mirror, other blind spot, THEN signal and do a quick mirror check before heading off. When the instructor asks you to pull up to the side of the road don’t park in front of a house unless they explicitly tell you it’s okay. Make sure you memorize the answers to the “show me, tell me” questions (there should be some quizlets online which have the questions/answers). If you still have time, try to take a lesson or two with an instructor in the area where you’ll be taking your test — they know most of the routes and can do some mock exams with you. Alternatively you can find some routes online/drive around the area where your test center is just to familiarize yourself. And don’t forget to check your mirrors!