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
Alberta Demerit Points for GDL Drivers: 8 Points and Suspensions
Alberta learner and GDL drivers are suspended at 8 demerit points in 2 years. See suspension lengths, point values, how long points stay and how a course helps.
Arkansas Hardship License (Age Waiver): Who Qualifies Under 16
Can a teen under 16 get an Arkansas age waiver (hardship license)? See who qualifies, how to apply, the in-person hearing and the time and distance limits.
ICBC Road Test (Class 7): How to Book, Fees and What to Bring
When you can take the B.C. Class 7 road test, how to book it, what to bring, the CAD 50 fee and how long you wait to retake it after a fail.
Nova Scotia Traffic Safety Act 2026: What Changes for New Drivers
The Traffic Safety Act replaced the Motor Vehicle Act on October 19, 2026. See what happens to your licence, the new 5N curfew rules and the road rule changes.
Connecticut's New Distracted Driving Law: Phones, Screens, Fines
Since October 1, 2026, Connecticut bans holding a phone, even at a red light. See hands-free rules, mount and screen limits, teen rules and fines.
Moving to Alberta: How to Exchange Your Driver's Licence (90 Days)
You have 90 days to exchange your licence after you move to Alberta. See which licences need no tests, what to hand in, which documents to bring and the fees.
Moving to BC: How to Transfer Your Driver's Licence in 90 Days
Moving to B.C.? You have 90 days to switch your driver's licence at ICBC. See which licences swap, what to bring, what you give up and the fees.
Moving to Nova Scotia: How to Exchange Your Driver's Licence (180 Days)
New to Nova Scotia? You have 180 days to exchange your licence, usually with no tests. See what to bring, how to book, expired licences and learner's licences.
NC Level 2 Limited Provisional License: Log, Curfew, Passengers
How to get a North Carolina Level 2 license: the 9-month wait, the 60-hour log, the 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. rule, passenger limits and what to bring.
Arkansas Driving Points System for Teen and New Drivers
Each Arkansas moving violation adds 3 to 8 points. See the 10-point warning letter, the 14-point hearing and how a ticket can delay a teen's next license.
Passing a Stopped School Bus in Connecticut: Fine and New Suspension Rule
Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus with flashing red lights. See the Connecticut fine, the exceptions and the new 6-month suspension from October 2026.
NC DMV Road Test: What to Bring, What Is Tested, School Tests
See what the North Carolina road test checks, what to bring, how to take it at a driving school and what the school fee can be.