an automatic transmission control unit switches on and off operations for a plurality of solenoids in response to combinations of throttle openings estimated on the basis of an output of a throttle sensor and vehicle speeds estimated on the basis of an output of a vehicle speed sensor to set a proper speed change gear . the automatic control unit sets second gear when a vehicle is stopped to suppress creep during the stoppage of the vehicle , and starts the vehicle with the second gear as it is when the changing rate of the throttle opening is small . when the changing rate of the throttle opening exceeds a predetermined rate in an acceleration state , it is determined that an operator desires powerful acceleration and hence the operation is shifted to first gear . in contrast , when the operator requires a slow start , a second gear start is automatically selected without permitting down - shift to the first gear every time the vehicle is started .