The new install dumps a player directly into the simulator but the simulator does not have direct access to the options screen. This effectively strands a new player if anything goes wrong with the initial settings such as an invalid video selection or controls not properly configured.

Also there is no test , verification or selection options given during the install process.

Sadly this leads to a bad user experience if anything fails with no indication of a way out.
There is nothing to indicate a play must exit to the online game screen in order to fix the issues.

One of the following should be considered.

Change the Sim graphics to indicate that configuration must be done in the online game login screen.

Add an obvious configuration option to the Sim Screen.

Create an extra install step to test and verify the initial install.

What platform is this feedback from? The UX mechanics can vary a bit between them.

I think you can hit "Back" (Android) or "ESC" (PC) to get to Options from the tutorials, in some cases.

doesn't "back" button on devices without physical buttons [for android] hides itself? perhaps after the automated process finishes selecting your settings, have something to mention that it can be changed from the options menu, and can be reached by [platform-dependent]?

Linux 64 bit - mint 19 os

Tried the esc but it does not seem to do anything. (brings up the exit menu)
Seems likely the feature was just missed / overlooked when you added it originally or accidentally dropped along the way. Hopefully it will be an easy fix then.

Perhaps a bit of senility is creeping in John? Sucks getting old :}