An LED driver includes a current driver receiving a reference voltage providing a charging current for driving channel output(s) of an LED panel. A pre-charge circuit includes a voltage selector having a first and second select input, a control input receiving a pre-charge voltage select signal based on a next ON/OFF state that is after a current sub-period, and a voltage selector output for switchably outputting a higher voltage level (V_H) when the next state is OFF and a lower level (V_L) when the next state ON. An enable circuit has an enable input receiving an enable signal active during a break time of the current sub-period for driving the channel output when enabled with a pre-charge current to V_H or a relatively higher voltage level when the next state is OFF, and to V_L or a relatively lower voltage level when the next state is ON.