In a speed change control system of an automatic transmission incorporated
with an engine, there are provided a speed change mechanism that is able
to establish a forward speed or a reverse by engaging a hydraulically
operated friction element upon switching of the transmission from a
non-travel range to a travel range; and a control unit that controls the
hydraulically operated friction element in such a manner that a hydraulic
pressure applied to the friction element is feedback controlled in such a
manner that when the engine is under a lower load condition, a rate of
speed change of rotation of an input shaft of the transmission has a
first target rate. The control unit is configured to set the rate of
speed change of the input shaft to a second target rate smaller than the
first target rate when, upon switching of the transmission from the
non-travel range to the travel range, the engine is under a higher load
condition; and configured to control the hydraulic pressure of the
friction element in a feedback control manner so that the rate of speed
change of the input shaft has the second target rate.