Re: Sigh.
Very strange, I learned in 2008 (I was 34, but had never NEEDED to drive before, it was for my then other half's motability wagon). I was told to ALWAYS apply the handbrake at traffic lights and select neutral. Otherwise a slip of the foot could result in lurching into oncoming traffic. And I was allowed to use the handbrake on the hill start too! Passed first time, thanks to an accommodating examiner. He KNEW one set of lights in the area was programmed for a ridiculously short amber time, and used them to check my emergency stop!