Drivers with a vehicle needing an MOT this autumn are being advised to book early because there is expected to be a surge in demand for garage appointments.

More than 10 million cars, vans and minibuses are due an MOT before December, says the AA, and the scramble for slots could be 'chaotic' it suggests.

With motorists facing cost of living pressures, combined with sky-high fuel prices throughout the spring and summer, many drivers are thought to have put off repairs to their vehicles because of a lack of money.

But with winter weather ahead, says the AA, problems with car parts including tyres or windscreens that already exist can rapidly be made worse, which will only add to the numbers of drivers requiring a mechanic.

Combined with this, permitted extensions to MOTs during the pandemic also now means the start of the autumn has become more of a pinch point for available slots and the period where MOT renewals now fall for many motorists.

The MOT test involves a stringent inspection of a vehicle to ensure it meets the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law. If you own a vehicle that is more than three years old you are obliged to get your car checked every year, and a fresh MOT certificate issued.

Motorists without a valid MOT certificate for their vehicle should keep it off the road until it is completed or they risk a fine of up to £1,000.

It is not the first time that motoring organisations have warned drivers not to delay getting their MOT arranged because of a predicted shortage in slots.

During the pandemic more than five and a half million car owners legally delayed their MOT because of the extension offered by the government to take into account the shutdown of services during lockdown. As a result motoring experts warned of a potential bottle neck in the demand for appointments in 2021, with a similar frantic rush being now forecast for this year.

Penny Stoolman, managing director of AA Approved Garages, explained: "With more than 10 million MOT tests due to take place across ‘Frantic Fall’, the scramble for slots could be chaotic. Drivers who have an MOT due should book early to avoid stress.

"With household budgets stretched, drivers may be tempted to leave repairs on their car until the last possible moment or wait for the MOT to spot faults. But with colder, wetter weather due in the coming months leaving blown bulbs, torn tyres and cracked windscreens unrepaired could cause more damage to both the car and the wallet."

The AA says 29% cars, vans and minibuses - or around three in every 10 inspected - initially failed their MOT last year with analysis of data finding that lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the top category for MOT defects with it being flagged on almost 3.75 million failed tests.