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
Massachusetts JOL Restrictions: Passengers, Curfew and Phones
Massachusetts junior operator license holders face a night limit, a passenger limit and a ban on all phone use. See each rule, the suspensions and what happens at 18.
South Carolina Special Restricted License: Rules at 16 and the Waiver
At 16 in South Carolina you may drive alone until 6 p.m. A waiver extends that to midnight. See the rules, the papers and the $25 fee.
Passing a Stopped School Bus in West Virginia: Fines, Jail and Suspension
Passing a stopped school bus in West Virginia: a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, plus a 60-day suspension for a first offense.
Arizona Teen Driver Penalties: Tickets, Suspensions and Zero Tolerance
What happens in Arizona when a teen breaks the Class G curfew, passenger or phone rule, gets a moving ticket, or drives with any alcohol in the body.
Maryland Knowledge Test Languages and Interpreter Rules
The MVA lists the Maryland knowledge test in English, Spanish, ASL and 14 other languages. See the 5-attempt interpreter rule, who can interpret and the fees.
Massachusetts Driver's Ed Requirements: Hours and Parent Class
Under 18 in Massachusetts, driver's ed is required: 30 classroom and 18 on-road hours. See the parent class, the 40 supervised hours and the $15 certificate.
When Do Teen Driving Restrictions End in South Carolina? Full License at 17
South Carolina teens get full driving privileges at 17 or after one clean year on a teen license. See the curfew, what delays it and the sleeve the SCDMV mails.
Arizona MVD Road Test: What to Bring, Scoring and Test Day Rules
What to bring to the Arizona MVD road test, how the points work (21 or more is a fail), why driver assistance systems are banned and the rules for test day.
Massachusetts Road Test: Sponsor, Car Rules and Retest Wait
Book the Massachusetts road test online, bring a sponsor and a car that meets RMV rules, and know the $35 fee, the 72-hour rule and the 2-week retest wait.
Driver's License in South Carolina at 18 or Older: 30-Day Permit Rule
At 18 or older, you hold a South Carolina beginner's permit for 30 days, then take the road test. See the steps, documents, costs and retest waits.
When to Stop for a School Bus in Virginia: Divided Roads and $250 Penalty
In Virginia, stop for a stopped school bus from any direction until all people are clear and the bus moves. See the divided highway rule and the $250 penalty.
Wisconsin Instruction Permit (Temps) Rules: Who Can Ride With You
Get your Wisconsin temps at 15. See who may sit beside you, who can supervise at night, who can ride in the back, and how long the permit lasts.