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
Texas Adult Driver Education: Who Needs the 6-Hour Course (Ages 18 to 24)
If you are 18 to 24 and apply for a first Texas license, you need the 6-hour adult driver education course. See who is exempt, what it covers and how the ITAD video fits in.
Utah School Bus Law: When to Stop and the $1,000 Minimum Fine
Stop for red lights, slow down for amber. See when Utah drivers must stop for a bus on the other side of the road, and what the $1,000 minimum fine means.
Washington Work Zone and First Responder Course Under 25
Who must take the free Washington work zone and first responder course, when DOL requires it, how long it takes and how to get the WDL number you need to start.
What Happens If a Montana Teen Breaks the GDL Rules? Penalties and Points
What happens if a Montana teen breaks restricted license rules: 20 to 60 hours of community service, then a 6-month suspension. Points and under-21 DUI too.
Nebraska School Bus Law: When to Stop and the $500 Fine
Nebraska school bus law: slow to 25 mph at yellow lights, stop at red lights and the stop arm. See the exceptions, the $500 fine and the 3 points.
ITTD and ITAD in Texas: The Certificate Before the Driving Test
ITTD is a 2-hour video for teens and ITAD is a 1-hour video for adults. See who needs which, when to take it, and how long the 90-day certificate is valid.
Four-Way Stop Rules in Utah: Who Goes First
Who has the right of way at a four-way stop in Utah: first to arrive, the driver on the right, where to stop, left turns and bicycles.
How to Get a Learner's Permit in Massachusetts: Steps and Rules
Who can get a Massachusetts Class D learner's permit, how to apply, the $30 fee, how long it lasts, who must ride with you and the penalty for driving alone.
Moving to Montana: How to Transfer Your Driver’s License (60-Day Rule)
Moving to Montana? Start your license transfer within 60 days. See what to bring, when MVD tests, the fee ($62.32 at ages 21 to 63) and how to apply.
Nebraska Four-Way Stop and Roundabout Rules: Who Goes First?
Who goes first at a Nebraska four-way stop, and how do you drive a roundabout? Get the yield rules of Nebraska law and the roundabout steps, in order.
Texas Teen Driver Penalties: Phone, Curfew, Passengers, Alcohol
Texas fines for drivers under 18 who break the phone, curfew or passenger rules, how a teen can lose the license, and alcohol penalties under 21.
Utah Roundabout Rules: Who Yields and the 2026 Turn Signal Change
Who yields in a Utah roundabout, which way traffic flows, and the May 6, 2026 law that ended the turn signal requirement at the entry and exit.