TOC transfer

[Dave88]

Hi,

Just after some advice. Im a recently qualified driver for a southern TOC.
I would like to transfer to Greater Anglia however they will only accept drivers who live within the catchment area. I fully intend to move to Norfolk with my family, however can not do so until I have secured work.
My parents live in Norfolk, but im reluctant to lie on my application and say im living with them.
Would it be more productive to be honest and explain the situation? Another question is timing, I would ideally like to do at least a year so I can gain more experience as this would be more appealing for the interview, however they are recruiting now and I dont want to miss the boat, do they recruit often?
Im aware i would have to pay and exit fee.
Just after some advise from anyone who has been in a similar situation. Thanks for reading

 

[anglian96]

Hi,

Just after some advice. Im a recently qualified driver for a southern TOC.
I would like to transfer to Greater Anglia however they will only accept drivers who live within the catchment area. I fully intend to move to Norfolk with my family, however can not do so until I have secured work.
My parents live in Norfolk, but im reluctant to lie on my application and say im living with them.
Would it be more productive to be honest and explain the situation? Another question is timing, I would ideally like to do at least a year so I can gain more experience as this would be more appealing for the interview, however they are recruiting now and I dont want to miss the boat, do they recruit often?
Im aware i would have to pay and exit fee.
Just after some advise from anyone who has been in a similar situation. Thanks for reading

They recruit constantly and normally have there applications open for a very long time. There pay is unbelievably low now compared to most and isn't really attractive for most. I cant see you struggling to get on there

 

[Class2ldn]

Have your current toc got a bond or anything in your contract to say you need to stay or pay back any money if you leave within a certain period?
I think most tocs like people to be out their PQ period before taking them on but as said above they aren't the most attractive firm to work for so may not be an issue.

 

[Horizon22]

Qualified drivers are normally recruited for, especially on an ad-hoc basis like a resettlement issue and they will understand you may not immediately live there. Sometimes it may be best to reach out directly to the relevant TOC to discuss your circumstances. However as stated, this may depend on just how "recently" qualified you are.

 

[Dave88]

They recruit constantly and normally have there applications open for a very long time. There pay is unbelievably low now compared to most and isn't really attractive for most. I cant see you struggling to get on there

Thank you. That's good to know

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Sep 2025 ==

Have your current toc got a bond or anything in your contract to say you need to stay or pay back any money if you leave within a certain period?
I think most tocs like people to be out their PQ period before taking them on but as said above they aren't the most attractive firm to work for so may not be an issue.

Hi,
Yes it's 2yrs but can pay an exit fee.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Sep 2025 ==

Qualified drivers are normally recruited for, especially on an ad-hoc basis like a resettlement issue and they will understand you may not immediately live there. Sometimes it may be best to reach out directly to the relevant TOC to discuss your circumstances. However as stated, this may depend on just how "recently" qualified you are.

Hi, ok that's good to know. I have emailed them but they never get back to me. I only passed out about 3 months ago, but the wife is putting pressure on me to transfer. No rest for the wicked lol

 

[bluesfromagun]

Obviously I know nothing about GA, but where I am I've never seen anyone successfully move TOCs with less than three or four years under their belt.
Most adverts state three or more years experience as a requirement, as PQA lasts three (some TOCs are two I believe) years, and it's a lot of work for them to take on a driver who is brand new and still requires a lot of assessing. They're getting a brand new, inexperienced driver who they didn't recruit or train, a real unknown quantity.
Think you might need to tell the wife to be patient! In the meantime, graft away and be a good driver with a perfect record - if you don't have that, it won't matter how many years experience you've got, they won't fancy you.

 

[dk1]

As an ex-driver at Norwich with GA they are very strict on the distance you travel to work. I recall this coming up many times.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Sep 2025 ==

They recruit constantly and normally have there applications open for a very long time. There pay is unbelievably low now compared to most and isn't really attractive for most. I cant see you struggling to get on there

Although recruitment is constant particularly on the West side that doesn’t mean standards are allowed to slip. Those stipulations remain.

 

[RuddA]

As an ex-driver at Norwich with GA they are very strict on the distance you travel to work. I recall this coming up many times.

You mentioned a few weeks ago you were getting ready to retire, enjoy.

 

[dk1]

You mentioned a few weeks ago you were getting ready to retire, enjoy.

Thanks very much mate. Yes, I kept the date all quiet and managed to slip out under the radar

 

[Babybirdrobin]

As an ex-driver at Norwich with GA they are very strict on the distance you travel to work. I recall this coming up many times.

Enjoy your retirement!

 

[dk1]

Enjoy your retirement!

Many thanks mate. Two months in and it’s been a joy so far.