I use it for parking, or at level crossing etc. F430 - N and hand brake. M4 - no P, so N and handbrake. X5 - P and e-handbrake (it has Auto (H)old option, but I prefer it to creep forward and I bring it to a halt smoother, so don’t use it.)
I always start cars after checking it’s in neutral and with clutch depressed (if it has one). I’ve yet to drive one into a house doing this.