I've always thought it was a good way to demonstrate a grasp the spatial awareness of the vehicle.

On the flip side, I had to back up like 100ft in a straight line during my driving test. I haven't come close to doing that since.

At the time, I figured it made sense. What if I'm trying to get away from a bad guy and I go down an alley, but then the bad guy is at the opposite end of the the alley because he anticipated my move? Now, I realize that I overestimated the likelihood I'd ever need to do that. Total waste of time.