An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum driver for rotating a photosensitive drum at either a normal speed or a higher speed, a charger, a charge remover for removing residual charges on the photosensitive drum surface after a toner image is transferred, a starter for instructing a start of image forming operation, and a controller responsive to the starter for controlling the operative parts. Upon the starter being turned on, the controller drives the charger and the charge remover, and permits the photosensitive drum driver to rotate the photosensitive drum at the higher speed, and suspends the image formation, After the photosensitive drum completes the initial one turn, the controller starts the image formation and permits the photosensitive drum driver to rotate the photosensitive drum at the normal speed.