A vehicle steering control apparatus has a steering wheel, a steering
mechanism mechanically separate from the steering wheel for steering the
left and right front wheels and a reaction force motor for imparting an
operation reaction force against the steering wheel. A steering motor is
provided to impart a turning force to the steering mechanism, while a
clutch is provided to mechanically connect and disconnect the steering
wheel to and from the steering mechanism. A drive torque detector is
provided to detect a drive torque imparted to the steering reaction force
actuator. A torque sensor is provided to detect an operating torque
imparted to the steering wheel. A clutch connection determiner determines
that the clutch is in a connected state when a drive torque direction
detected by the drive torque detector and an operating torque direction
detected by the operating torque detector are different.