auto oil level?

[glyn]

I don't know if this is a dumb question(it probably is) but in the manual it says top up the auto transmission fluid with a hot engine and the car on idle, so i took the car for a 10 min drive parked on the flat and topped it up to the top mark but now when i check the level on the cold mark it's way above and now the car seems to be jerking on the change from 1st to 2nd, i don't want to overfill the damn thing.
Which is the correct way to top up, and which is the best way to check the level, hot or cold?

Dumb ass questions and senior moments are my speciality.

 

[Mr.F]

Check hot with engine running, but move selection lever to each position and then back to P or N before final check. This will settle the fluid to its lowest level.