Netherlands is tiny compared to Canada, and public transport gets you around. Students have access to public transport for free, but otherwise it's quite costly. Best is when you can get to work by bike, like I had with my last job.
Wow I didn't know you can get a license without doing the manual transmission, I think here in NL you need some special reason to be allowed to do so. Anyways, now that I'm used to it I'm happy I know how to. Made it to the office this morning, so things are looking good ;).