Every year, hundreds of thousands of UK drivers miss their MOT due date. According to recent data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), nearly 800,000 vehicles were driven without a valid MOT in 2024 alone. The most common reason? Drivers simply forgot.

For garages and MOT stations, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. When customers forget their MOT, they might book with whoever has availability first, meaning you lose their business to competitors. But with the right automated reminder system, you can stay top of mind, bring customers back year after year, and keep your bays consistently full.

Why MOT Reminders Matter for Your Garage

The numbers tell a compelling story. Research shows that 46% of drivers who miss their MOT simply forgot the date. Another 14% thought they had more time remaining. These are not customers who chose a different garage. They are customers who would have returned to you if only they had remembered.

Automated reminders address this problem directly. Garages using reminder systems report reducing no-shows by up to 40% and seeing significant improvements in customer retention. A simple text message sent at the right time can mean the difference between an empty bay and a full day of bookings.

What Makes an Effective MOT Reminder

The best reminder systems share several key characteristics that separate them from basic calendar alerts:

Timing

Customers can book their MOT up to one month before the expiry date and keep the same renewal date. Your first reminder should go out around four to six weeks before the due date, giving customers time to plan and book while the deadline is still fresh. A follow-up reminder one to two weeks before adds urgency without being pushy.

Channel Choice

SMS messages have open rates above 90%, making them ideal for time-sensitive reminders. Email works well for customers who prefer it and allows you to include more details, links to booking pages, or special offers. The most effective approach often combines both channels.

Personalisation

Including the customer's name, vehicle registration, and specific MOT due date makes reminders feel personal rather than generic. This small touch significantly increases engagement and booking rates.

Easy Booking

Every reminder should include a clear path to booking. Whether that is a phone number, a link to your online booking system, or a simple reply option, reducing friction between receiving the reminder and making the appointment is essential.

How to Set Up Automated MOT Reminders

Getting started with automated reminders is simpler than many garage owners expect. Here is a practical approach:

Step 1: Organise Your Customer Data

You need three pieces of information for each customer: their name, mobile number or email address, and their MOT due date. If you already have customer records from previous visits, this data likely exists somewhere in your system. The key is getting it into a format that can trigger automated messages.

Step 2: Choose Your Reminder Platform

Several options exist depending on your needs. Dedicated garage management systems often include built-in reminder features. Alternatively, standalone reminder services like Remindlo can integrate with your existing workflow without requiring you to change your entire setup. These platforms handle the scheduling, sending, and tracking of reminders automatically.

Step 3: Create Your Reminder Sequence

A typical sequence might include a first reminder four weeks before the MOT due date, a second reminder two weeks before, and a final reminder three to five days before if the customer has not yet booked. Each message can be slightly different, with the final reminder adding more urgency.

Step 4: Test and Refine

Start with a small group of customers to test your messages. Track open rates, response rates, and actual bookings. Use this data to refine your timing, wording, and frequency. What works for one garage may need adjustment for another based on your customer base.

Sample MOT Reminder Messages

Here are some templates you can adapt for your garage:

First reminder (4 weeks before):

Hi [Name], your MOT for [Registration] is due on [Date]. Book early to secure your preferred time. Call us on [Phone] or book online at [Link]. [Garage Name]

Second reminder (2 weeks before):

Hi [Name], just a reminder that your MOT for [Registration] expires on [Date]. Slots are filling up. Book today: [Phone] or [Link]. [Garage Name]

Final reminder (3-5 days before):

Hi [Name], your MOT for [Registration] expires in [X] days. Driving without a valid MOT risks a £1,000 fine. Book now: [Phone]. [Garage Name]

The Cost of Not Sending Reminders

Consider this scenario: your garage serves 500 customers per year for MOT tests. Without reminders, you might lose 15-20% of those customers to competitors or forgotten appointments. At an average MOT value of £50-100, including minor repairs, that represents £3,750 to £10,000 in lost annual revenue from a single service alone.

The cost of a reminder service is typically a fraction of this amount. Most garages see a positive return on investment within the first few months of implementation.

Beyond MOT Reminders

Once you have a reminder system in place, the same infrastructure can handle other customer communications: service reminders based on mileage or time, seasonal tyre change notifications, appointment confirmations, and collection alerts when work is complete. Each touchpoint strengthens your relationship with the customer and reduces the likelihood they will look elsewhere.

Getting Started Today

Automated MOT reminders are no longer optional for garages that want to stay competitive. The technology is accessible, the setup is straightforward, and the results speak for themselves. Whether you choose a full garage management system or a dedicated reminder service like Remindlo, the important thing is to start. Your future self, with fuller bays and happier customers, will thank you.

Ready to stop losing customers to forgotten MOTs? Explore how Remindlo can help your garage send automated reminders and keep every bay full.