Hi Jim
Your driving experience is almost exactly like mine.
About 6 months ago we bought a new car that has a form of cruise control that maintains a set distance from the car in front of you. It works amazingly well, especially on freeways, and allows me to keep my feet off the peddles more.
Since shoes and socks cause burning, I have even been known to drive barefoot (don't tell anyone), and control the peddles with my toes, in order to minimize the amount of contact with the peddles.
I have tried lidocaine cream, but I don't find that it helps much. I think it doesn't penetrate skin very well.
I am in the process of experimenting with different combinations using DMSO, which does penetrate. I'm hoping the DMSO will carry the lidocaine (or other substances like ketamine, phenytoin, etc.) with it.
I'll post results when I have them.
Meanwhile, good luck!
I wonder if anyone else has tried Ugg boots, which have a shearling lining. They seem to help some. I have even constructed shearling insoles for my various shoes, including flip flops. Lastly, I find that Crocs help some, probably because they are so roomy.