Abstract: This invention relates to a device for driving a horizontal sheltering awning having one end adapted to be rolled on a first winding shaft and another end adapted to be connected through flexible straps to another winding shaft on which these straps can be rolled up. Each winding shaft is adapted to be driven by a separate motor. A fixed portion of each motor case encloses a retarder cooperating with a unidirectional driving device of which the two sections are disposed on a rotary movable element and on the output shaft of the corresponding motor, on which the rotary movable element is pivoted, respectively. The two sections of the eddy-current type retarder are disposed the one on the outer periphery of the rotary movable element and the other inside the fixed case, respectively. The first section consists of a copper socket and the other of permanent magnets.