A method for determining the driver torque setpoint uses inputs from a drive pedal sensor, which senses the pedal position of a drive pedal. Depending on at least one switching parameter, different modes of calculation are activated, thus enabling the pedal position to be assigned to the driver torque setpoint. After the switchover from an old mode of calculation to a new mode of calculation, the driver torque setpoint is progressively adjusted, starting from the driver torque setpoint under an old interpretation of the pedal position, corresponding to the old set of characteristics, towards the driver torque setpoint under a new interpretation of the pedal position, corresponding to the new set of characteristics, and specifically in dependence on the time graph of the pedal position and simultaneously as a function of time, disregarding the time graph of the pedal position.