Abstract: The invention relates to a drive shaft (1) comprising partially internested shaft parts (5, 6) which are slidable relative to one another by a predetermined amount in a longitudinal toothing (2), the longitudinal toothing (2) being formed by an inner toothing (4) on the outer, tubular shaft part (6) and by an outer toothing (3) on the inner shaft part (5), the shaft parts (5, 6) being joined together and prevented from being pulled apart axially during installation or transport by use of securing means provided on the outer periphery of the shaft parts. A securing means is provided by a boot (8) which encloses both shaft parts (5, 6) and whose edges (9, 10) cooperate with the shaft parts (5, 6) so as to limit pull-out and form a seal, and at least one edge (10) the boot (8) is axially slidable to a limited extent relative to the shaft part (5) which it encloses.