A drive circuit is provided for a target switching element and opens/closes a current path by controlling an absolute value of a potential difference between one end of the current path and an opening/closing control terminal. The drive circuit includes an integrated circuit connected to the control terminal. The integrated circuit includes an absolute value control circuit controlling the absolute value of the potential difference when the switching element is in an off-state, a stabilization circuit stabilizing the potential difference at a value for maintaining the switching element in an off-state when the switching element is in an off-state, a selection circuit selecting one of control of the absolute value of the potential difference by the control circuit and stabilization of the potential difference by the stabilization circuit, and an on-state terminal connected to the control circuit and the control terminal. The on-state terminal is connected to the stabilization circuit.