An apparatus comprising a control device of a driving engine which can be actuated purely mechanically, for varying the operation of engine as well as via a control motor as needed, independently of the mechanical operation in a direction of reduced output of the driving engine. The apparatus includes a restoring spring which acts upon a first driver element connected to the operating element. Since the coupling spring is not subject to tension exerted by the restoring spring, the coupling spring can be embodied as relatively weak. The apparatus is particularly well-suited to motor vehicles equipped with traction control.