Which of the following is NOT a proper step for parallel parking?

Choosing to back slowly while turning your steering wheel to the left to aim the back of your car towards the front of the one behind you does not represent a proper step for parallel parking. In fact, when parallel parking, the typical process involves turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction, which is to the right, to angle the back of your car into the parking space while ensuring that you are clear of the other vehicle behind you.

Proper parallel parking generally requires first aligning your vehicle parallel to the parked car, without keeping the wheels straight, which allows for a better angle to enter the parking space. As you begin to back into the space, checking your mirrors frequently is crucial for maintaining awareness of surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, contributing to safety during the maneuver. Therefore, option D describes a common mistake in parallel parking technique.