A process and device for controlling a motor vehicle with an initialization device (43) for startup and a clutch actuated by means of a clutch actuator set (45) between a drive unit and a gear with a control device (41) by means of which at least one control of the clutch actuator set (45) and an acquisition of measurement data of a sensor (47) takes place for the purpose of determining the position of the clutch, characterized in that to verify the state “clutch open” upon startup, a positioning of the clutch actuator set (45) that has been set and stored before or during shutdown is compared to a positioning that was acquired during a predetermined movement course of the clutch actuator set (45) after startup by means of a distance measurement, which takes place at least in a segment of that movement course, whereby the state “clutch open” is recognized, in particular, when the magnitude of the comparison is within a predetermined tolerance range. By means of the invention one can further reduce the probability of the setting into motion of a motor vehicle after startup, which is critical in terms of safety.