Abstract: A driving mechanism for a magnetic tape recorder especially adapted for use with preloaded cassettes includes a carriage having a magnetic recording/playback head and a pressure roller mounted thereon. A latching member mechanically holds the carriage such that the roller and recording/playback head is in either a stop mode position, a pause mode position or a run mode position. In the stop mode position, the recording/playback head and the roller is fully retracted from the cassette to allow replacement of cassettes. In the pause mode position, the recording/playback head is adjacent to the tape to allow retrieval of information recorded thereon and the pressure roller is slightly withdrawn from the capstan such that a slight movement of the carriage causes the roller to quickly move to the run mode position to provide fast starting capability. In the run mode position, the recording/playback head is fully contacted against the tape and the pressure roller is in contact with a capstan.