The invention concerns a driving device for a device for the local puncturing of a skin, particularly for the application of permanent make-up or a tattoo, as well as a method for operating the driving device. The driving device comprises a drive mechanism for producing a repetitive thrust movement at a frequency, which is usable for the retraction/extension of a puncturing mechanism, a detection apparatus with which a parameter is detectable, which indicates a resistance force acting against the repetitive thrust movement, a setting apparatus with which, for the case that a changed resistance force is detected with the detection apparatus, can be pre-set by a user into an operating mode of increased frequency in which the frequency is increased after detection of the changed resistance force, or an operating mode of reduced frequency in which the frequency is reduced after detection of the changed resistance force, and a control apparatus coupled to the detection apparatus and the setting apparatus, the control apparatus automatically causes the frequency change of the increased frequency mode and the reduced frequency mode.