NikVesti report prompts creation of barrier-free facilities at Mykolaiv MIA service center

A barrier-free space has been set up at the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centre in Mykolaiv, screenshot from the YouTube channel NikVesti

The Ministry of Internal Affairs service centre in Mykolaiv has set up an adapted space for people who use wheelchairs. From now on, they can take the theory test and obtain a driving licence.

This was reported by a NikVesti correspondent.

At the end of January, we published an article entitled «How driving schools work for people with disabilities and why taking a theory test in Mykolaiv is still a problem», in which we reported that the building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centre in the city was not adapted for people with disabilities. At that time, we reported that people who use wheelchairs could not take the theory test or even obtain a driving licence because the space remained inaccessible. The regional service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs told us that it is currently impossible to make the space accessible because the building is more than 50 years old. We then asked Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych for a comment, and he promised to meet with the head of the regional service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Hennadii Pohorelov, to resolve this issue.

The building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centre in Mykolaiv, photo: Ombudsman of Ukraine

The building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centre in Mykolaiv, photo: Ombudsman of Ukraine

Nina Khmelevska, chief specialist of the communications sector of the regional service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, said that now people who use wheelchairs can take a theory test, have their photo taken and obtain a driving licence at the service centre.

«We decided to make the most of the opportunities available in this building today. We figured out how to arrange the space on the first floor so that all citizens could have their photos taken when obtaining or exchanging a driver's licence for the first time, and we also created a workspace (for taking the theory test, ed.) for a person with a disability who uses a wheelchair, also on the first floor,» said Nina Khmelevska in a comment to NikVesti.

Nina Khmelevska, chief specialist of the communications sector of the Regional Service Centre of the State Service of Ukraine for Migration in Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, screenshot from the YouTube channel NikVesti

According to her, a separate table and computer were set up for the theoretical exam, and video cameras were installed.

«Everything else has already been adapted as much as possible. There is a special parking space, a ramp — this was done earlier — as well as wide doors to the offices so that people can move around freely. So we found an opportunity and technically equipped the premises, creating such a space. A separate table, computer, and video cameras with Face ID were installed, i.e., everything necessary in accordance with the requirements of the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution. The workplace is easy to get to, you can sign documents, wait and get your driving licence, because the document printing machine has also been moved to this office in compliance with all technical requirements and security systems,» concluded Nina Khmelevska.

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Earlier, in a comment to NikVesti, Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych stated that the city's Administrative Service Centres would be able to provide driver's licence services if «there is such a need». However, according to him, it has now been possible to agree on a «quick solution» directly at the service centre.

«We met with the head of the service centre, Hennadii Pohorelov, several times to find a practical solution to this issue, because we understand that accessibility is very important. We considered various options, including the possibility of using the premises of the city's Administrative Service Centres, but in the end we agreed on a quick solution directly at the service centre itself. Today, 10 February, an adapted space is already operating on the first floor, where you can take a theory test, have your photo taken and obtain a driving licence,» said Oleksandr Sienkevych in a comment to NikVesti.

Oleksandr Sienkevych. Photo: Mykolaiv Development Agency

Earlier, Nina Khmelevska told us in a comment that people with disabilities can take exams at any service centre in Ukraine, including in Novyi Buh, where the premises are adapted to barrier-free requirements. It is worth noting that in 2025, 31 people with disabilities learned to drive in Mykolaiv: 17 veterans took courses under a budget programme, and another 14 civilians paid for their training themselves.

Ivan Ryzhykov received his licence. Photo: NikVesti

One of them is Ivan Ryzhykov, who passed his theory test in Novyi Buh, as it was impossible to do so in Mykolaiv. However, he received his driving licence in Mykolaiv.

For more details, read the NikVesti article: «The only one in Mykolaiv region: how a driving school for people with disabilities works and why passing a theory test in Mykolaiv is still a problem».