NOVELTY - The circuit (1) has voltage switch unit (11) that changes voltage given to voltage-output unit (13) comprised by amplifier circuit whose voltage amplification rate is 1. Turn-ON voltage having a value greater than threshold voltage for switching element and smaller than power supply voltage for switching element drive circuit is applied to voltage output unit when switching element is turned ON. Voltage applied to voltage output unit is switched to power supply voltage for switching element drive circuit, by voltage switch unit after turn-ON voltage holding time is passed.    USE - Switching element drive circuit of power device circuit such as power integrated circuit (IC) and bridge circuit for power module, provided in inverter apparatus for driving motor mounted in motor vehicle (all claimed) such as hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle and fuel cell electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The voltage of the power supply of switching element drive circuit can be output. Since the value of the voltage for turn-on is larger than the threshold voltage of switching element and smaller than the voltage value of the power supply of switching element drive circuit, thus restrains the short circuit current low at the time of turn-on. The voltage switch portion is easily accumulable. Since the voltage amplification rate of voltage-output unit is one, the voltage-output unit can be comprised with a comparatively small number of circuit components. Hence the switching characteristic of switching element and suppression of short circuit current are realizable by a comparatively small mounting area. The destruction of the switching element contained in the inverter apparatus can be prevented, and a failure of the inverter apparatus can be prevented.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) a power module; and    (2) a motor vehicle.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic view of the power device circuit. (Drawing includes non-English language text)    Switching element drive circuit (1)    Voltage switch unit (11)    Voltage-output unit (13)    Logic circuits (15,18)    Timers (16,17)