A control system for use in an automatic transmission having a transmission mechanism for establishing a plurality of forward stages, a neutral state and a reverse stage. The transmission mechanism includes a predetermined rotary element to be retained for establishing the reverse stage; a reverse brake for retaining the rotary element; and a frictional engagement element capable of stopping the rotation of the rotary element. The reverse brake is a meshing type brake which meshes with and retains the rotary element. The control system has an engagement mechanism for applying the frictional engagement element. When the reverse stage is selected, the frictional engagement element is applied at least until the meshing engagement of the reverse brake is established, to stop the predetermined rotary element.