If you are learning to drive they dont teach you to use the engine as a brake. They say the brakes are alot better than years ago so no need. You often hear "brake pads are cheaper than gearboxes" and you can be penalised for unnecessary gear changes. My daughter is learning to drive and she has been taught to dip the clutch just before the car comes to a standstill and put it in first gear if she comes to a stop or needs to pull away again!