Abstract: An apparatus for driving an electromagnetic load by applying a high voltage at the initial driving stage and thereafter applying a constant hold current is provided with a switch for supplying high-voltage energy to the electromagnetic load from a capacitor for storing high-voltage energy and a control circuit responsive to an electric signal for starting electromagnetic load driving and the output voltage of the capacitor. The control circuit turns the switch on at application of the electric signal and keeps it on until the output voltage reaches a prescribed level. The apparatus of this configuration enables optimum timing of changeover from high-voltage application mode operation to hold mold operation with simple circuitry.