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 Junior Operator Penalties: Speeding and Suspensions
A first speeding ticket on a Massachusetts permit or JOL means a 90-day suspension. See the RMV penalty tables, the 24P add-on and reinstatement fees.
Moving to Arizona? When and How to Transfer Your Driver's License
Moving to Arizona? See who counts as a resident, when to switch, which tests may apply, the fees, what teens need and which documents to bring.
South Carolina Road Test: What to Bring, What's on It, Retest Waits
Bring a safe, insured vehicle and a licensed driver. See the road test tasks, walk-in hours, the rain rule and how long you wait after a fail in South Carolina.
Who Goes First at a Four-Way Stop in Virginia? Roundabouts Too
Who goes first at a Virginia all-way stop, where to stop, what to do at a dark signal, and how to enter, drive in and exit a roundabout.
Foreign Driver's License in Arizona: Reciprocity and Visitor Rules
Can you drive in Arizona on a foreign license? Learn the visitor rule, when you become a resident, the ADOT reciprocity countries and what to bring to MVD.
Moving to Massachusetts? How to Transfer Your Driver's License
New Massachusetts residents get no grace period. See how to transfer an out-of-state license: the $115 fee, the documents, the tests and what to do under 18.
Newfoundland and Labrador Class 5I Learner's Licence: Rules and Steps
How to get a Class 5I learner's licence in Newfoundland and Labrador: age, tests, parental consent, the CAD 60 fee, the Level I rules and the road test wait.
South Carolina Teen Driver Points: When 6 Points Means Suspension
In South Carolina, 6 points on a beginner's permit or teen license means a 6-month suspension. See point values, the course rule and other penalties.
Can International Students Drive in Arizona on a Home Country License?
Do you need an Arizona license as an international student? See the resident rules, the home license exemption, documents, license terms and fees.
Foreign Driver's License in Massachusetts: Convert or Test?
Licenses from Canada, Mexico, U.S. territories, South Korea, Germany, France or Taiwan convert for $115 with no written or road test. Others take both tests.
New Mexico Instructional Permit at 15: Rules, Supervisors and Steps
Get a New Mexico instructional permit at 15. See the steps, who can supervise you, the $10 fee, the 6-month hold, the 50 practice hours and what comes next.
How to Get a Learner Permit in New York (2026 Steps)
You can apply for a New York learner permit at 16. See the steps, the documents, the tests, the fee by age, and what to do before the road test.