The control circuit according to the invention consists firstly of two control terminals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2) to which drive pulses of at least two different types can be applied, i.e. a first pulse type (S) designed to obtain one position (S) of the solenoid and which present a first level of amplitude, and a second pulse type (R) designed to obtain a second position (R) of the solenoid and which present a second level of amplitude different from that of the pulses (S) of the first type and with the same polarity and secondly, a discrimination circuit (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, A) for the pulses (R, S) of these two types according to their level of amplitude, this discrimination circuit (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, A) being connected to a switching circuit (CS, CS', CR, CR') controlling supply of the solenoid (B). The invention is also applicable to solenoids comprising one coil as well as to solenoids having two separate coils or with a common intermediate connecting point.