Abstract: The drive systems include at least one conduit leading to a machine unit which may be selectively connected to a pump or a tank. Arranged in the conduit is a holding valve which, when the conduit is connected to the tank, maintains a minimum pressure in the conduit branch leading to the machine unit. A pressure sensor arranged in this conduit branch determines the actual value of the conduit pressure. If this decreases with respect to the minimum pressure predetermined by the opening pressure of the holding valve, which is determined by a comparison device, this is an indication that the conduit section has a leak, if only a small one.