Self-driving cars are never gonna happen.
Automation is coming.
Again, I was able to get by without one for. along time when I lived in big cities with access to good public transportation, but the reality for many people is not owning a car is not an option and it's stupid to pretend otherwise.
Nothing is stopping you or anyone from living in a good sized city with public transit. Owning a car is an option for 100% of people because nobody forces any adult to live anywhere or take any job.