The invention concerns a method for controlling a motor vehicle drivetrain which comprises a drive motor, a multi-step, automated change-speed transmission and an automated separating clutch arranged between the drive motor and the transmission, and a shifting device with a selector lever which can be moved at least from a particular position in an upshift direction (“+” direction) for manually initiating an upshift and in a downshift direction (“−”) for manually initiating a downshift, and in which the transmission and the separating clutch can be controlled by a transmission control unit which is connected at least to a speed sensor, a brake pedal actuation sensor and a selector lever actuation sensor, such that when the motor vehicle is rolling with its drivetrain open the closing of the drivetrain is initiated by actuating the selector lever.To improve the functional safety it is provided that when a first movement of the selector lever in a shift direction (“+” direction or “−” direction) is sensed, this is interpreted as a provisional command to close the drivetrain, and if a second movement of the selector lever in the same shift direction (“+” direction or “−” direction) is sensed within a specified confirmation time (ΔtB), this is interpreted as a confirmation of the provisional command to close the drivetrain and, as an implementation command, initiates the closing of the drivetrain.