The present invention provides drive-operating mechanism for lawn mower. A lawn mower, which is driven by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, has an operation handle 80, which is formed by connecting through a grip part 82 rear ends of left and right long handgrips 81 L, 81 R extending rearward from the body of the lawn mower supported by wheels 6 and 7. A first operation member 84 is provided near a central portion of the grip part 82 of the operation handle 80, and a second operation member 85 is swingably supported by the operation handle 80. The second operation member 85 is arranged on the front side of the grip part 82 so as to freely move to and from the grip part 82. The lawn mower is driven by sequential operation of the first and second operation members 84, 85. Thus it is possible to constantly keep the lawn mower stable, enabling easy and quick operation, and improving operability.