A method and apparatus for recording a signal in a magneto-optical disk having pre-pits formed on a recording track which pits are optically detectable for generation of data read and write clocks. The method and apparatus includes the steps of: prior to writing data in the magnetooptical disk, writing a test pattern on a leading portion of a data recording area of the magnetooptical disk at predetermined timings; reading the data recording area to generate a time shift between the read-out test pattern and the original test pattern; adjusting the predetermined timings in accordance with the time shift to generate adjusted data write timings; and writing data in the data writing area in accordance with the adjusted data write timings and the apparatus therefore.