An actuating device includes a vehicle operating brake and parking brake. A first braking effect is generated by the parking brake independently of a braking procedure for the operating brake. The actuating device comprises a first switched state, wherein the first braking effect of the parking brake cannot be provided, and a second switched state, wherein the first (full) braking effect of the parking brake is provided. The actuating device further comprises a manually actuatable operating element for actuating the parking brake that comprises travel positions. The actuating device is switched to the second switched state in a first travel position when the parking brake is released, and to the first switched state when the parking brake is applied. Also, the actuating device is switchable to a further switched state. In an actuating method, the actuating device is switched to the further switched state in response to an actuation.