Disclosed are a driving system for a semiconductor light source and a semiconductor lighting device. The driving system includes a transformer, the transformer comprising a first coil (201) and a second coil (202) coupled to each other, the second coil (202) being used for receiving an input voltage; a switching means which is connected in series to the second coil (202) of the transformer and used for controlling energy-storing and energy-releasing of the second coil (202); and an outputting means which is connected in parallel to the second coil (202) of the transformer and used for supplying power to the semiconductor light source, wherein an induced signal is generated on the first coil (201) of the transformer due to a coupling effect between the first coil and the second coil (202) and is used for controlling the turn-on or turn-off of the switching means.