Starting November 1, 2026, updated rules came into effect in Ukraine regarding drivers who require an adapted vehicle due to health conditions. The changes were introduced by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 668 and redistribute roles between medical personnel and Ministry of Internal Affairs staff: now the doctor records the actual need for vehicle adaptation, while the specific set of devices is determined by authorized employees of regional Ministry of Internal Affairs service centers, as reported by RBC-Ukraine.
What Has Changed in the Admission Procedure
The key innovation lies in the separation of the two assessment stages. During a medical examination, the doctor assesses a person's health condition and indicates in the medical certificate whether vehicle adaptation is required for safe driving. In other words, the medic decides on the existence of the need, rather than its technical implementation. This avoids situations where a single specialist simultaneously issues both a medical and a technical verdict.
The Role of MIA Service Centers
If the doctor confirms the need for adaptation, authorized employees of regional MIA service centers step in. They determine which specific devices the driver needs, referring in particular to special manual controls and additional devices. At the same time, these same specialists have the right to determine that vehicle adaptation is not required. Based on the assessment results, a separate certificate is issued that records the final decision.
How Devices Will Be Reflected in the Driver's License
Information about the required devices will be entered into section 12 of the driver's license in the form of special codes. This approach makes restrictions and permissions transparent for inspectors and other participants in the process, and also simplifies the verification of compliance between the equipment installed in the car and the data in the document.
Who Will Not Be Affected by the Innovations
It is important to emphasize: the new rules apply exclusively to those people who, for health reasons, required special equipment to drive a car. They do not introduce a requirement for all drivers to urgently undergo a medical examination or exchange their licenses. For other categories, the procedure remains unchanged.
Context: New License Validity Periods and Exams
Changes in the rules for adapted vehicles come against the backdrop of a broader driver's license reform. Starting in 2026, licenses for motorcycle and passenger car categories will be valid for 15 years, and for freight and passenger transport for 5 years with a mandatory medical examination. Previously issued documents remain valid until the date specified in them, and retaking exams during replacement is not required. In addition, driver candidates can take the practical exam an unlimited number of times within two years after completing practical training at a driving school.
