An optical disc recording and playback apparatus has a record/playback head adapted to write data into and read them out of information tracks formed on a rotatable optical disc. A carriage carrying the head therewith is driven by a linear motor in the radial direction of the disc perpendicular to the tracks, and then stopped and held at a desired track position. Thereafter, a tracking control is performed by allowing the head to move in the radial direction within a predetermined range.