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
Virginia Demerit Points for Drivers Under 18: Clinic and Suspension
A ticket under 18 in Virginia means a clinic first, a 90-day suspension second and a revocation third. See the steps, clinic cost and limits at 18 and older.
Idaho Point System and Teen Driver Penalties: Suspensions Explained
Idaho gives 1 to 4 points per conviction and suspends at 12 points in 12 months. See teen penalties, permit cancellation and how to take 3 points off.
Foreign Driver's License in Illinois: Visitors and New Residents
Can you drive in Illinois on a foreign license? See the rules for visitors, students and new residents, the 90-day limit and the steps to an Illinois license.
Iowa's New Driving Laws for 2026: Hands-Free Rule and 60 MPH Limit
Iowa's hands-free law carries a $100 fine, and the default speed limit is now 60 mph. See what changed from 2024 to 2026 and what you can do with a phone.
Ontario Roundabout Rules: How to Enter, Choose a Lane and Signal
Yield to traffic inside, pick the left or right lane, signal your exit and know what to do when an emergency vehicle comes: Ontario roundabout rules.
Indiana Foreign Driver's License: Tests, Japan, Taiwan, Students
Can you swap a foreign license in Indiana? See the tests, the Japan and Taiwan skills test waiver, the papers to bring and the rules for international students.
Foreign Driver's License in Kansas: Visitors, Students and License Exchange
Can you drive in Kansas on a foreign license? Yes, if you are a nonresident 16 or older with a valid home license. See who must test and what students bring.
Moving to Mississippi? Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver's License
Moving to Mississippi? Learn the 60-day deadline, whether you take a test, what to bring to the station, and what to do if your old license is lost.
Moving to Virginia: How to Get Your Driver's License in 60 Days
New to Virginia? You have 60 days to get a Virginia license. See what to bring, what it costs, who is exempt and what changes if you are under 18.
Vermont Teen Driver Penalties: Recalls, Points and 0.02 Law
See how long Vermont recalls a teen's permit or junior license, how many points a ticket adds, and what the under-21 0.02 alcohol rule costs a driver.
Illinois Senior Driver Rules: Road Test at 87 Since July 2026
Illinois dropped the routine road test for drivers 79 to 86 on July 1, 2026. See the renewal rules by age, the road test at 87 and the license fees.
Moving to Idaho: Transfer Your Driver's License (30 Days, Knowledge Test)
New to Idaho? ITD says to get an Idaho license within 30 days. Learn which tests you take, what to bring, what it costs and what teens must show.