Control apparatus and method for automatically stopping and starting internal combustion engine mounted in vehicle

An engine is automatically stopped (S160, S170) when a predetermined amount of time has passed with a predetermined stopping condition being fulfilled, even if learning is not yet complete, when an automatic stopping condition of the engine and a learning execution condition of a control amount of the engine during idling have been fulfilled (S100 to S130). However, the engine is prohibited from automatically stopping (S150) until the learning is complete when the learning history of the control amount has been cleared by battery disconnection or the like and is not stored. Accordingly, it is possible to both simultaneously control an idling stop when the engine is idling and learn the control amount, as well as minimize a strange sensation felt by the driver that arises from an idling stop not being performed.