Ukraine introduces specially adapted cars to help people with disabilities get driver’s license

Specially equipped cars have been provided to five service centers of Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

People with disabilities can take their practical driving test in these vehicles for their driver's licenses, Rubryka reports.

What's the problem?

Ukraine has opened five driving schools adapted to the needs of people with disabilities so far.

"This is the inclusivity in action that I always advocate for and that our country committed to implementing even before the Russian invasion: equal opportunities, comfort, and convenience for all Ukrainians in all areas," said Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska. "It's hard to overestimate the importance of this project now when the number of people with disabilities — young, active, full of plans — is rapidly increasing every day due to Russian attacks."

To help disabled Ukrainians obtain driver's licenses and lead a better life, these schools require special vehicles.

What's the solution?

Five service centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs received specially equipped cars where people with disabilities can take their practical driving test for their driver's licenses.

Five Hyundai i30 station wagons were sent to service centers in major Ukrainian cities in all corners of the country, namely Kyiv, Kamianets-Podilskyi, Dnipro, Lviv, and Odesa.

How does it work?

Each car has additional levers that allow controlling the accelerator and brakes with either the right or left hand. The additional equipment allows pressing the accelerator pedal with the left foot, steering using a special holder, and operating turn signals, headlights, and other devices with a special joystick on the steering wheel.

The first person to take the driving test in the new car was a displaced woman from the Russian-occupied city of Nova Kakhovka, Antonina Tsurkan, who completed a driving school for disabled people in Lviv.

According to Antonina, she had long dreamed of learning to drive a car. So, when she learned about the "Driving Schools for Persons with Disabilities" project, she immediately enrolled for training.

She successfully passed the theoretical test in October 2023, and finally, after passing the practical test, she received her driver's license.

Inclusive driving schools

Specialized schools are the flagship project of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, implemented at the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, "Without Barriers."

Currently, such driving schools are operating and accepting applicants in five regions of Ukraine: Kyiv, Lviv, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. 

In related news, the Ukrainian Railways unveiled an inclusive electric train after major repairs, which will run on the "Uzhhorod — Lviv" route.

The western city of Lviv has launched inclusive taxis for people using wheelchairs.

Also, the taxi company Uklon has introduced a class of cars for people using wheelchairs in Kyiv.

Elevators for people with disabilities will be installed at the railway station in Kyiv.