A vehicle drive unit includes a clutch pressure control valve that controls hydraulic pressure for operating the clutch; a clutch control valve that is provided in a first oil passage between the clutch pressure control valve and the clutch, and that controls hydraulic pressure in an engagement state between full engagement and disengagement of the clutch; a second oil passage that bypasses the clutch control valve and that is arranged parallel to the first oil passage; and a shift valve that connects, to an oil passage connected to the clutch, the first oil passage when controlling the engagement state between full engagement and disengagement of the clutch, and the second oil passage when not controlling the engagement state between full engagement and disengagement of the clutch.