PURPOSE: To prevent generation of a speed change shock or a time lag by keeping a constant time after switching from a neutral range to a traveling range till a friction element at the time of starting starts engagement.

CONSTITUTION: In a controller (c), a starting time engagement detector (e) for detecting an engagement start of a starting time friction element (a'), which is engaged in switching from a neutral range to a traveling range, is disposed as an input means for the controller (c), and further, a correction unit (f) is provided, for measuring a time after the switching from the neutral range to the traveling range until the engagement start of the starting time friction element (a') so as to correct the magnitude of a pre-charge pressure in such a manner that the measured time becomes a predetermined value.