Vehicle controlling device and method

Provided are a vehicle controlling device and method wherein the operation of a clutch mechanism is controlled according to the traveling state or the stopped state of a vehicle at the time an engine is stopped for the vehicle that comprises a transmission path that includes a stepped transmission unit, a transmission path that includes a continuously variable transmission unit and is provided parallel to the stepped transmission unit, and the clutch mechanism for switching the transmission path. The vehicle controlling device comprising, between an input shaft and an output shaft, the continuously variable transmission unit that continuously changes the gear ratio, the stepped transmission unit that is provided in parallel with the continuously variable transmission unit and that can set a gear ratio that cannot be set with the continuously variable transmission unit, and a clutch mechanism that is provided in the torque transmission path between the stepped transmission unit and a drive wheel, is configured so that the clutch mechanism is released when the vehicle speed is at a prescribed value or higher and the engine is stopped.