When starting a vibration-type drive device, the frequency of a drive signal is lowered from a predetermined frequency at a first change rate. When the vibration state of a vibration member reaches a predetermined state, it is determined whether or not a relative movement speed has reached a reference speed. When the relative movement speed has not reached the reference speed, the frequency of the drive signal is lowered at a second change rate that is smaller than the first change rate. This avoids problems which could occur when moisture intervenes on a slide surface of the vibration-type drive device, such as the vibration-type drive device not starting, and a desired rpm not being achieved.