A vehicle control apparatus includes: an approach detection section; a determination section; and an openable and closeable object operation control section. The approach detection section detects a person within a first detection range and a second detection range. The determination section determines whether or not a motion of a person detected by the approach detection section corresponds to an approach pattern in which the openable and closeable object is approached. The openable and closeable object operation control section brings an openable and closeable object operation unit into operation when the determination section determines that the motion corresponds to the approach pattern. When a person who is not detected within the first detection range is detected within the second detection range, the determination section determines that the motion of the person corresponds to the approach pattern.