Many people feel the same way about driving as you do, and luckily there is lots of help available.

If you have only just started driving or don't drive yet, your fear may well become less over time and with practice. However, if you are an experienced driver and your fear is getting worse, you may need more help.

To start with, you can help yourself by just sitting in a car. Don't even start the engine until you feel relaxed. Then gradually start driving very short distances - even a few yards, as if it was your first lesson - stopping the moment you get nervous. It's best if you can have a supportive friend with you, but not someone who will get impatient or sarcastic.

If you need more help then I would recommend contacting a good driving school and explaining the situation. They can arrange a few lessons with a sympathetic instructor who will let you go at your own pace - and with the dual controls you don't have to worry about safety.

Hypnotherapy or cognitive behaviour therapy have also helped some people, but should only be tried as a last resort.

You can get in touch with other people who share this problem here.