Liz, I empathize with you. My mother doesn't have a car for the same reason you don't and if I want to go anywhere I have to get rides with friends or their parents. That means I only get to go karting a few times a year
, and have no way of getting to Mosport or Shannonville.
Sparky, your right that I did not add in there the pleasure of driving. Obviously driving brings many hours of pleasure to many people. However many do not consider how much it costs them. Few people take parking or gas into consideration when they go driving. Most people (at least in North America) view the price of gas and parking as companies (or govts) punishing them for owning a car.
I will probably get a car too, when I can afford one (likely a few years after University). However, I do not intend to use it the way many North Americans do - Like it was my legs. It always amazes me how short of distances people will drive when it would be easier to walk or bike.