When is driving without a license not actually driving? When you’re “transporting” a vehicle… at least that’s what a Nashville man tried to convince Cumberland County deputies of late last week.

Deputies noticed a heavily smoking van at the intersection of Snead Drive and Peavine Road in Fairfield Glade. The driver turned in at the Lakeshore Town Homes driveway, stopped, checked to ensure his lights were on, then shortly afterward re-entered Peavine Road. The driver entered another parking area and backed into a parking space.

That’s where deputies made contact with 55-year-old Michael Dewayne Hood of Nashville. A check of Hood’s driver’s license revealed it was revoked.

According to the arrest report, “Hood stated that he was not driving but that he was transporting.”

Hood was arrested for driving on a revoked license and placed under $1,000 bond. He’s due to appear in court April 29.

Deputies contacted the registered owner of the vehicle, who said Hood did not have permission to take the vehicle; but as Hood was known to the owner, the owner did not wish to prosecute him for theft.