In order to activate a control element (4) of a drive apparatus (1) for driving an object that can be moved between two end positions, said control element having a response delay (?tanspr), a parameter (Fakt) influenced by the drive apparatus (1) is monitored and compared with a specified threshold (FTh), upon the achievement of which a control signal is output to the control element (4); a pre-threshold (Fv) to be achieved before the achievement of the threshold (FTh) is defined, upon the achievement of which pre-threshold a pre-control signal is output to the control element (4) for the preparatory activation thereof, and afterwards further monitoring for the achievement of the actual threshold (FTh) is performed, wherein upon achievement of the actual threshold (FTh), the control element activation is retained, whereas if the actual threshold (FTh) is not achieved, the control element activation is rescinded.