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
Minnesota School Bus Law 2026: Stop Arm, Red Lights, 20 Feet
Minnesota school bus law: stop at least 20 feet from flashing red lights, stop arm out or not. See the $500 minimum fine, amber lights and license risk.
PEI New Driver Penalties: Demerit Points, Suspensions, Zero Tolerance
What happens to a new driver in Prince Edward Island who gets demerit points: the Stage 1, 2 and 3 limits, phone and seat belt suspensions, and zero alcohol.
Pennsylvania Teen Driver Points and Suspension: 6 Points or 26 mph Over
A Pennsylvania driver under 18 is suspended at 6 points or 26 mph over. See the 90-day and 120-day suspensions, how points work and the under-21 alcohol rule.
Utah Driver's Ed Requirements: Hours for Teens and Adults 19+
Driver's ed is required in Utah at 18 or younger and optional at 19+. See the classroom, behind-the-wheel and practice hours, and the adult no-course path.
Minnesota Four-Way Stop and Roundabout Rules: Who Goes First
Minnesota four-way stop: stop first, then if two cars arrive together the driver on the left yields to the right. See roundabout steps, lanes and exits.
Moving to PEI: Exchange Your Driver's Licence From Another Province
How long you can drive on your old licence in PEI, what to bring to Access PEI, and how to exchange a licence from another province or U.S. state.
Pennsylvania Hands-Free Law (Paul Miller's Law): Rules and Fines 2026
Pennsylvania's hands-free law bans holding a phone while driving, even at a red light. See what it covers, the $50 fine and when fines started.
Utah Driving Skills Test: Where to Test and What Fails You
Where to take the Utah driving skills test, what the examiner scores, what your car needs, what to bring and which mistakes fail you on the spot.
Montana Permit Test (MVD Written Test): What’s on It and 3 Tries
What the Montana written driver’s test covers, how to book it with the MVD, what to bring and how many tries one licensing receipt gives you.
Can International Students Drive in PEI on a Home Country Licence?
International students in PEI: how long you may drive on a home licence, whether you need an International Driving Permit and what changes if you stay.
How Much Is a Texas Learner License? Fees and Test Retakes (2026)
A Texas learner license costs $16 at DPS. See what other licenses cost, how many times you can take each test part, and when you pay again.
Utah Provisional License Rules: Midnight Curfew and Passengers
Utah provisional license rules for new drivers: the 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. limit, the passenger limit, exceptions, phone, alcohol and when each limit ends.