An optical disc apparatus includes a memory, a control circuit, a motor, a spindle, and a pickup head. When determining the type of optical disc, the optical disc apparatus moves a focusing lens at a constant velocity. A first duration is measured that indicates how much time it takes for the moving focal point of a laser shining through the focusing lens to pass through a first layer of the optical disc. A second duration is also measured that indicates how much time it takes for the moving focal point to move from the first layer to a second layer of the optical disc. A ratio of the second duration to the first duration indicates optical disc type.