THE cost-of-living crisis is putting young drivers at risk, the RAC has warned.

One in four drivers under the age of 25 and 21 per cent of 25 to 44-year-olds have delayed necessary repairs due to rising costs, a survey has found.

The rate was 5 per cent for over 65s, the poll commissioned by the RAC for its annual report found.

The roadside assistance provider said that the average car repair bill had hit £700, and it was “little wonder that so many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet.”

Three in five drivers surveyed said that the cost of maintaining and repairing their car had increased over the past year.

Some 32 per cent reported being worried about the cost of maintaining their vehicle and a worrying 3 per cent said they have deliberately avoided their MOT, a legal requirement for their vehicle to be on the roads.