The semiconductor light source driving apparatus includes light source modules, a current control element, a second current detection element, a DC power supply, and a controller. The light source modules each include the following components connected in parallel: a semiconductor light source; a first constant-voltage diode; a series circuit of a first current detection element and a second constant-voltage diode with a lower breakdown voltage than the first constant-voltage diode; and a switching element. The controller controls the DC power supply based on a detection output of the second current detection element. After the first current detection element generates a output in response to an open fault in any of the semiconductor light sources, and then the current control element is turned off, the controller turns on the switching element of the light source module with the open fault, thereby allowing the current control element to be controlled.