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.
1417 articles by Stephanie
Alaska Driver's License Fees: Permit, License and Road Test (2026)
See what an Alaska instruction permit, Class D license, REAL ID, road test, renewal and duplicate cost, and what you pay to get a license back.
California Provisional License Rules: Curfew, Passengers, Exceptions
What a California provisional driver cannot do in the first 12 months, which exceptions allow it, the signed note to carry and what a ticket brings.
Maine Intermediate License Rules: Passengers, Midnight to 5 a.m. and Phones
What a Maine driver under 18 can do on an intermediate license: who can ride along, the 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. ban, phones, the 270 days, fines and suspensions.
What to Bring to the Wyoming Driver License Office: Documents List
For a Wyoming permit or license, bring proof of legal presence and identity, two residency proofs no older than 45 days, name change papers and your SSN.
Michigan Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) for Adults 18+
How to get a Michigan driver's license at 18 or older: who needs a TIP, the steps and $25 fee, 180 days of validity, 30 days of practice and the skills test.
Newfoundland and Labrador Class 5 Road Test: What to Bring and Expect
When you can take the Newfoundland and Labrador Class 5 road test, the CAD 78 fee, what to bring, and what the examiner checks on test day.
NJ GDL Decals (Kyleigh's Law): Who Needs Them, Where They Go, the Fine
Which New Jersey drivers must show the red GDL decals, where the two decals go on the license plates, what a pair costs ($4) and the $100 fine for driving without them.
What to Bring to the ND Driver License Office: Documents and REAL ID
What to bring to a North Dakota Driver License site: one identity document, Social Security proof and two address documents for a REAL ID.
Nevada Teen Driver License Rules: Passengers and 10 p.m. Curfew
A new Nevada teen driver cannot carry passengers under 18 (except immediate family) for 6 months and cannot drive from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. See the full rules.
New Mexico Provisional License at 15 1/2: Curfew and Passenger Rules
A New Mexico teen can apply for a provisional license at 15 1/2. See the permit time, the 50 practice hours, the midnight curfew, the passenger limit and the $18 fee.
NY Learner Permit Rules: Supervising Driver and Where You Cannot Drive
Who can supervise a New York learner permit, which roads are off limits, the extra rules under 18, and how out-of-state permits work in New York.
Ohio Driving Test: What to Expect at the BMV (Driving and Maneuverability)
See what is on the Ohio driving test, how to schedule it, what to bring by age, what happens if you fail and how to get your license after you pass.