in my day, when you had to back up, you were told to turn around in your seat so you could see out of the back of the car, placing your right arm on the seatback next to you and go. I think nowadays they actually want you to use the mirrors and NOT turn around to see where you are going. Good choice.
Hence the popularity of "self park" programs.
I enjoyed my parallel parking test for my license. Did it in the 914. No problems fitting a 15' car in a 30' spot.. and no issues seeing the curb either - it was about window height
Drivers ed has left most schools and is left to private businesses. Not sure they have much incentive to teach more than the minimums.. whether it be classroom hours or behind the wheel stuff.