Stephanie Bakalar
Stephanie has spent over a decade advising small and family-owned auto repair shops on growth, hiring, and customer experience. With an MBA from Western and a background in small-business lending, she has worked directly with more than 200 independent Canadian shops on pricing, marketing, and CRA-compliant bookkeeping. She writes about the operational and regulatory side of running a profitable independent garage in Canada.
1384 articles by Stephanie
Louisiana Driver's License at 18: The 14-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
How an adult gets a first Louisiana license: the 14-hour course, the TIP, the 80% knowledge test, the road skills test and the 50-hour statement.
What ID to Bring to Service New Brunswick for a Learner's Licence
The ID, two proofs of residency and consent form to bring to Service New Brunswick for a Class 7 Level 1 learner's licence, and the cards that are refused.
Foreign Driver License in Oregon: Which Countries Skip the Tests
Oregon DMV may waive both tests for a license from Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan. See the steps, fees and ID for all other countries.
Alabama GDL Violations: Fines, Points and Suspension for Teens
A teen who breaks a Stage II rule in Alabama faces a $150 to $350 fine, 2 points and defensive driving school. See when a 60-day suspension applies.
Delaware DMV Documents: ID, SSN and Two Proofs of Residency
Bring one ID and legal presence document, proof of your SSN and two proofs of Delaware residency. See what counts, the 60-day mail rule and the teen exception.
Louisiana Permit Test Cost, Retakes and Class E License Fees
What a Louisiana TIP and Class E license cost in 2026, which permit changes are free, and what happens when you fail the knowledge or road skills test.
Can International Students Drive in Oregon on a Foreign License?
An international student who pays non-resident tuition can drive in Oregon on a valid foreign license. See when you need an Oregon license, tests and fees.
Alabama Under 21 DUI Law: 0.02 BAC Limit and License Suspension
Alabama drivers under 21 face a 0.02 BAC limit. See the 30-day license suspension for a first violation, the adult DUI penalties and the points that can follow.
Delaware Driver's Ed Requirements: Grades and Certificate (2026)
Under 18 in Delaware you need driver's ed first. See the tenth-grade and 5-credit grades rule, the 6-month certificate and what to do if your grades are low.
What to Bring to the Louisiana OMV for Your Learner's Permit
Bring one primary and two secondary IDs (or two primary), Social Security proof, proof of your Louisiana address and, under 18, a parent. No photocopies.
Missouri Intermediate License Rules: 1 a.m. Curfew and Passenger Limits
Missouri teens with an intermediate license may not drive alone from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. See the passenger limits, seat belt rule, cost and how to qualify.
Class 7 Level 1 Rules in New Brunswick: Supervisor, Passengers, Night
What a New Brunswick Class 7 Level 1 driver can and cannot do: who can sit beside you, whether friends can ride along, the midnight to 5 a.m. ban, alcohol, drugs and phones.