In a method and device for selecting a starting gear in a hybrid electric vehicle, a first driving sequence is registered during which a parameter indicates that an electric motor energy source has been drained past an energy level limit and/or no gear ratio shift from said starting gear ratio has occurred. Upon detection of the driving sequence, draining of said energy source and/or no gear ratio shift, selection of a starting gear ratio is altered to a gear ratio being higher, compared to a normal starting gear ratio, for the next vehicle take off of a driving sequence following the first driving sequence. This increases possibility that the vehicle during driving with the altered starting gear will reach a vehicle speed that corresponds to a combustion engine speed above idle speed of the combustion engine.