Abstract: A drive system comprising a housing containing a two-element shaft for rotation, one element being a driving member and the other element being a driven member carrying a driver. The system is applicable for automobile window lifters, sliding roofs and the like. A coupling system rotatably connects the driving member and the driven member for transmitting rotational drive therebetween and a brake mechanism is associated with the drive shaft for applying braking force to prevent reverse drive from the driven member to the driving member. The brake mechanism comprises two circumferential jaw elements positioned in facing relation with one pair of opposite ends in abutment with one another and with the other pair of opposite ends serving as free ends in spaced relation. The free ends have radial actuation surfaces between which is positioned a freely movable release element.