A multi-stage drive circuit is to be coupled to a semiconductor switch having a drive terminal, a first terminal and a second terminal, to switch the semiconductor switch on and off. The multi-stage drive circuit includes a first drive circuit, a second drive circuit and a selector circuit. The first drive circuit is to be coupled to provide a first drive signal to the drive terminal of the semiconductor switch and the second drive circuit is to be coupled to provide a second drive signal to the drive terminal of the semiconductor switch. The selector circuit is to be coupled to turn on the first and second drive circuits to provide the first and second drive signals to the drive terminal, respectively. The selector circuit turns on the second drive circuit responsive to a voltage between the first and second terminals of the semiconductor switch falling to a threshold value.