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Gunnar_Zarncke comments on Things to consider when optimizing: Commuting, Transportation - Less Wrong Discussion
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As a youth I decided against getting a drivers license. I did so for the following reasons but I admit that it surely contained a bit of idealism:
cost of a drivers license (in Germany this is notable; I hear 2000 EUR)
time to get the license (in Germany it's mandatory courses and driving practice)
cost of the car, gas, maintenance and replacement cost (my Budget says that for used cars is with 10000 km/yr is ~ 5000 EUR/year)
pollution and other environmental costs (this was a significant consideration for Gunnar_1987)
time driving the car (during which you could do more sensible things; this is covered enough by the other comments)
I still do not have a drivers license and don't regret it (and before you ask: The car was my ex-wifes).
The lost freedom to go anywhere I please anytime - which was and is so highly valued by my peers and parent generation didn't factor notably in my consideration. Today even less than then. The internet gets me most places - even if only virtual (but safer), even where no car goes anyway. From the saved time and cost I can afford lots of cab rides - more than I need. And I wonder where the saved time payed off with lots of interest by the additional amount of study (leisure style) it allowed.
But your mileage (pun?) may vary depending of your location.
Even if you don't plan on driving, I recommend getting a license (at least in the US). Insurance rates fall significantly if you've had a license for 7+ years, even if you've never driven.
Sure. If you want to have tho option to drive or plan to drive later then getting the license as early as possible (when it is also easier to learn to drive) is sensible. But I don't think this calculations goes off it you estimate the chances of ever needing a license below 20%. In that case the costs will probably never pay off and the chances will plummet shortly after your adult work life adjusts to the facts.
True. Bare in mind that your adult work life will change dramatically if you have children. You have a comparative advantage for time and flexibility before you have kids (or if you choose never to have kids). Shifting cost, risk, and inconvenience to childless times in your life (or childless possible futures) is a profitable trade.
That is good advice. Note that I do have four children (and wanted to have them) and never regretted having no drivers license. But my now ex-wife does. It is sufficient if one of both has a license (and a car). But again this is a trade that has to be well considered and depends on your location of residence. I head that many U.S. sub-urbs are practically unaccessible without a car.
And you might consider getting the license abroad - the costs might be significantly lower. Though language barrier and getting there (without a car in the first place, even if you happen to live "just across the border") might be a problem.