In this article we compare five popular options available to UK garage owners in 2026. Each solution is evaluated for ease of setup, functionality, cost and suitability for different types of workshop.

Why send MOT reminder texts to customers?

Before we dive into the comparison, a quick reminder of what is at stake. The average MOT station loses 15-25% of customers annually who simply forget where they had their last test. With a typical MOT priced around £55 and 1,000 tests per year, that potentially represents £8,000-£14,000 in lost revenue.

An SMS sent 2-4 weeks before the test date has over 90% open rate and effectively reminds the customer about your garage. It is the simplest way to increase repeat business.

1. Remindlo - best choice for garages seeking simplicity and automation

Website: remindlo.co.uk/industries/mot-testing-station

Remindlo is a dedicated automated SMS reminder system that works independently of any garage management software. It was designed for service businesses with recurring customer visits, including MOT testing stations.

How it works

You can work directly through the system - one place to add, manage, and monitor your customers. Additionally, you connect your Google Calendar, and Remindlo handles the rest, without the need to use multiple systems. When you add an appointment to your calendar, reminders go out automatically at the times you choose. You can also import customer data via CSV or Excel for batch scheduling.

Main advantages

• Full automation - once configured, the system runs in the background with no daily management

• Works with any system - connects to Google Calendar, independent of your garage software

• Message personalisation - insert registration number, test date, garage name

• Flexible scheduling - multi-stage reminders (e.g. 30, 14, 3 days before)

• Simple data import - supports Excel, CSV and Google Sheets

• Free starter plan - test the system at no cost before committing

Limitations

• Not a full garage management platform (no invoicing, job cards). Not an all-in-one system that does everything in an average way, but a dedicated system perfectly designed for SMS reminders.

Pricing

Best for?

Remindlo works best for garages that want fully automated reminders without learning new software or changing their workflow. Particularly recommended for stations already using Google Calendar or those who want simple, reliable SMS without adopting a complete management system.

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. MOT Manager - solid choice for garages going digital

Website: motmanager.co.uk

MOT Manager has been helping UK garages since 2016 and now serves over 1,000 workshops across the country. It positions itself as the simplest garage software system available.

How it works

MOT Manager is a cloud-based garage management platform. You book appointments into the digital diary, and the system automatically sends text reminders to customers. It includes vehicle data lookup via DVLA integration, basic invoicing, and customer records.

Main advantages

• All-in-one platform - diary, reminders, invoicing, customer records in one place

• Unlimited text reminders - no per-message fees, fixed monthly cost

• DVLA integration - automatic vehicle data lookup

• UK-based support - team understands the motor trade

• Cloud-based - access from anywhere, nothing to install

• Free trial available - test before committing

Limitations

• More than just reminders - if you only need SMS, this may be overkill

• Pricing not public - need to contact for quote and a personalised demo

• Learning curve - more features means more to learn

Pricing

MOT Manager does not publish pricing on their website. They emphasise fixed monthly fees with no hidden costs, no credits, and unlimited text reminders included. Contact them for a quote.

Best for?

MOT Manager is ideal for garages transitioning from paper diaries to digital systems who want built-in reminders, UK-based support, and predictable costs without per-message fees.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. Motasoft Virtual Garage Manager (VGM) - feature-rich platform

Website: motasoft.co.uk

Motasoft's Virtual Garage Manager is a comprehensive garage management platform that has been serving UK workshops for nearly two decades. It offers extensive features beyond just reminders.

How it works

VGM includes workshop diary, job sheets, invoicing, customer records, MOT history via DVSA integration, and automated reminders by SMS and email. Optional add-ons include technician tracking apps and vehicle health check tools.

Main advantages

• Comprehensive features - diary, invoicing, job cards, customer management

• Haynes technical data - repair times, wiring diagrams (Plus tier)

• Accounting integration - connects with Xero, Sage, QuickBooks

• DVSA integration - automatic MOT history lookup

• Technician app - mobile tools for workshop staff (Complete tier)

• Established provider - nearly 20 years serving UK garages

Limitations

• Per-message SMS costs - 6p per text adds up at scale

• VRM lookup charges - 9p per registration lookup

• Steeper learning curve - more powerful but more complex

• Higher price point - starts at £50/month

Pricing

Additional costs: SMS at 6p each, VRM lookups at 9p each.

Best for?

Motasoft VGM suits established garages wanting a feature-rich platform with integrations, technical data, and advanced workshop tools. Best for those comfortable with per-message costs and willing to invest time learning the system.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. BookMOT - all-in-one system built by garage owners

Website: bookmot.com/business

BookMOT describes itself as the UK's number one garage management system, built by MOT centre owners with 20 years of industry experience. It combines booking management with automated reminders.

How it works

BookMOT provides a complete booking system where customers can book online directly into your diary. The platform handles booking confirmations, automated text reminders, WhatsApp messages, and fleet management. Each garage gets a customisable landing page.

Main advantages

• Online booking - customers book directly, reducing phone time

• WhatsApp integration - modern messaging alongside SMS

• Fleet management - tools for business customers with multiple vehicles

• Photo and video sharing - show customers repair evidence

• Built by garage owners - designed by people who understand the trade

• Customer-facing portal - professional booking page for your business

Limitations

• All-or-nothing approach - designed as complete system replacement

• Pricing not transparent - need to contact for details

• May be overkill - if you just need simple reminders

Pricing

BookMOT does not publish pricing publicly. Contact them for a demonstration and quote.

Best for?

BookMOT works well for garages wanting a modern, customer-facing booking system with online appointments and integrated reminders. Particularly suited for workshops that want customers to self-serve bookings.

Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. Workauto - lightweight option for small garages

Website: workauto.co.uk

Workauto targets new and small independent garages with a deliberately lightweight approach to workshop management. It focuses on essentials without overwhelming complexity.

How it works

Workauto provides job organisation, customer management, appointment reminders, and basic scheduling. It explicitly avoids being overly complex, making it accessible for garage owners who are not comfortable with technology.

Main advantages

• Simple and focused - no overwhelming features

• Transparent pricing - £30/month, no hidden costs

• No contracts - cancel anytime

• 30-day free trial - no credit card required

• Designed for small garages - understands limited time and resources

Limitations

• Limited features - basic compared to full garage management systems

• May not scale - could outgrow it as business expands

• Less established - newer to market than competitors

Pricing

No setup fees, no hidden charges, no contracts.

Best for?

Workauto suits new garages or small workshops wanting simple organisation at a predictable low cost. Ideal for those who find other systems overwhelming.

Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Summary - which system should you choose?

Our recommendation

If you want a solution that just works without learning new software or changing your workflow, choose Remindlo. It connects to your existing Google Calendar, automates reminders completely, and costs a fraction of full garage management systems.

If you are moving from paper diaries to digital and want everything in one place, MOT Manager offers a proven platform with unlimited SMS at a fixed monthly cost.

If you need comprehensive features including technical data, accounting integration, and workshop apps, Motasoft VGM provides the most powerful toolkit, though at a higher price point and per-message SMS costs.

If you want customers to book online themselves, BookMOT combines modern booking tools with automated reminders.

If you are a small or new garage and want the simplest possible solution at low cost, Workauto keeps things minimal and affordable.

Common questions

Do I need a full garage management system just for reminders?

Not necessarily. If you already manage appointments effectively (even in Google Calendar), a dedicated reminder tool like Remindlo adds automated SMS without forcing you to change everything else.

How much do MOT reminder systems typically cost?

Costs range from free tiers (with limits) to over £100 per month for comprehensive platforms. Simple reminder tools typically cost £15-30 monthly. Full garage management systems range from £50-150 depending on features.

Can I send reminders without per-message fees?

Some providers include unlimited SMS in their monthly fee (MOT Manager, Workauto). Others charge per message, typically 5-10p. For high-volume garages, unlimited plans often work out cheaper.

How long does setup take?

Simple reminder tools can be running within minutes. Full garage management systems typically need a few hours to configure, plus time to import existing customer data.

Will customers find text reminders annoying?

Research consistently shows customers appreciate appointment reminders for important services like MOT tests. The key is keeping messages brief, useful, and limited to one or two per appointment.

What happens if a customer asks to stop receiving messages?

Reputable providers include opt-out functionality, usually by replying STOP. Make sure your chosen system handles this automatically to comply with UK regulations.

How to get started

Whatever system you choose, the key is to start. Every month without reminders means customers who drive to a competing garage simply because they forgot about yours.

If you want to test automated reminders without commitment, try Remindlo free. Connect your Google Calendar, customise your message, and see how automated SMS fits your workflow.

👉 Try Remindlo free for your MOT station

Have questions about implementing SMS reminders at your garage? Get in touch and we will help you find the right solution for your needs.

Related articles:

• MOT Text Reminder Service: Complete Guide for UK Garages

• How to Send Automated MOT Reminders to Customers

• Free MOT Due Date Checker Tool