I didn't have a car or a license until I was 18. But I also WANTED those things. For a long time though, I chose to walk (with the occasional bike ride, wasn't into cycling at that point). I live within a few miles of two locally owned grocery stores, a Wal-Mart and K Mart, and numerous fast food joints (one of which I worked at for two years). School was too far to wake up that early and walk, and the bus came around anyway. I would walk home from school on occasion, though.
Since I got my license, I've been driving most of the time, but I have two bikes and I'd like to utilize them more...even though I'm paying off a car loan. I could still save some money on gas, I'm sure. IMO, the car is still good to have in case cycling x amount of miles is unrealistic, or the weather is horrendous. One thing I hate is having to bug people for a ride.