A control device controlling a vehicle's automatic transmission. The automatic transmission engages first and second friction engagement elements by fluid pressure from a pump operating using motive power from the vehicle's motor when a shift position is at a reverse traveling position, places the first friction engagement element on standby at a predetermined pressure that is higher than a stroke starting pressure by which a piston stroke is started and lower than a complete engagement pressure or engages the first friction engagement at the complete engagement pressure when the shift position is at a non-traveling position, and engages a third friction engagement element as a starting shift speed when the shift position is at a forward traveling position. When the shift position is at the forward traveling position, the first friction engagement element is placed on standby at the predetermined pressure if a vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined vehicle speed, or releases the predetermined standby pressure if the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined vehicle speed.