PURPOSE: To select a predetermined start gear ratio as a ratio actually utilized in the immediately preceding vehicle start operation from stop.

CONSTITUTION: This system includes a fuel throttle control part 24, an engine 14, a multi-speed change gear mechanical transmission 12 having a lowest grouping of gear ratios each suitable for start operation from stop and determining a predetermined start gear ratio from the grouping, a manually operated shift selection lever 1, and a central processing unit 38 for receiving inputs and for processing the inputs according to predetermined logic rules to issue command signals to non-manually controlled operators including a transmission operator 34. The system senses the operation of the manually operated shift selection lever and system parameters, (i) senses an actual gear ratio utilized during start operation from each stop, and (ii) memorizes the actual gear ratio as the current-predetermined start gear ratio, thus allowing the operator a request for a direct downshift or upshift into a preselected start gear ratio.