I was surprised that it doesn't advocate slipping it into "N" and applying the handbrake at the lights. This always "feels" like a more "secure" way to wait and I do it whenever I'd slip a manual into neutral. Not blinding the buy behind or warping your brake disks when hot is a good side-effect too.
Only problem is, it takes a second or two for the gearbox to engage when you move into "D".
Kevin
This was a point I raised with a driving examiner a couple of years ago, when I had to show my driving was upto a standard good enough for TD'ing.
Put it in N or P and handbrake applied or leave it in D with foot on brake.
Examiner replied what ever you want to do........
Im pretty sure that when i learnt to drive (in a manual) I was taught......at traffic lights, handbrake applied and 1st gear selected (clutch pressed obviously) while you wait for green.
I also asked about left foot braking.....as its suppose to be faster.......and some driving schools teach this in autos.
Again examiner replied what you feel comfortable with.
I use my right foot for braking.