A tape drive control system with improved overall dam transfer rate. A streaming tape drive system for a multi-track serpentine data tape is controlled by a host computer. The data tape has a fixed number of data sectors per track. The host computer monitors tape position by observing data sector identification. The drive sends a ready/not-ready status signal to the host. The drive has a default mode. In the default mode, the drive generates an error signal if the host sends motor speed commands or head movement commands when the drive is sending a not-ready status. The host computer software can command the drive to enter a special mode. In the special mode, the drive does not generate an error if the host sends motor speed commands or head movement commands when the drive is sending a not-ready status. After placing the drive in the special mode, when the end of data for a track is reached, the host computer ignores the drive status signal and commands the tape drive to immediately set its motor to the maximum speed and to immediately move the head to the next track.