This paper investigates the dynamic starting behavior of long multiple drive belt conveyors. By simulating a speed controlled start procedure with a dynamic model, a comparison is made between the starting behavior of a single and a multiple drive layout, with no load on the belt. These simulations are also compared with simulations of a multiple drive layout that is configured for a loaded belt. These results show that a link can be established between the dynamic behavior of the belt sections in a multiple drive belt conveyor and a single driven conveyor system.