A method is provided for switching a drive of a hybrid vehicle from one operating mode to another operating mode. The drive includes an internal-combustion engine, at least one propulsion-generating electric machine and a transmission. The transmission can be shifted by a selecting device to be actuated by a driver into different operating states. The operating modes are distinguishable according to the ratio of drive power generated by the electric motor to the drive power generated by the internal-combustion engine. The drive is controlled by a drive control unit as a function of a drive prompt specified by the driver by an accelerator element and the selecting device, and according to different drive state and/or vehicle parameters. The drive is switchable from one operating mode to another operating mode by actuating the selecting device.