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
Oklahoma Intermediate License Rules: Curfew, Passengers, Unrestricted
Drive 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. with one passenger on an Oklahoma Intermediate License. See the exceptions, what you need to apply and when the limits end.
What to Bring to the Rhode Island DMV: ID, Residency, SSN
Bring originals: one proof of identity, two proofs of residency and proof of your Social Security number. See which documents count and what changes under 18.
SGI Road Test: How to Book, What Your Car Needs and Automatic Fails
How to book the Saskatchewan Class 5 road test with SGI, what to bring, what your car needs, the mistakes that fail you, the $55 fee and the two-week wait.
Getting Your South Dakota Operator's License at 16: Upgrade Steps
A South Dakota teen can upgrade a restricted minor's permit to an operator's license at 16: online, by mail or at a driver exam station, for $38.
Tennessee Intermediate Restricted License: Rules, 50 Hours, Passengers
How to get the Tennessee intermediate restricted license at 16: the 180-day permit, 50 hours of driving, the road test, the 11 p.m. limit, passengers and fees.
What to Bring to the Alaska DMV: Standard vs REAL ID
Bring one document from each group to the Alaska DMV. See which papers prove your name, address and Social Security number, and how REAL ID adds to the list.
Failed the California Permit Test? Retake Wait Times and Fees
How long a California teen waits to retake the permit test or drive test, how many tries one application gives, and the DMV fees to expect.
Wisconsin Permit Test Languages: Spanish, Hmong and More
Yes. You can take the Wisconsin permit test in Spanish, Hmong and 8 other options besides English. See the DMV list, the online test rule and road test help.
Wyoming Intermediate Permit Rules: Curfew, Passengers and Exceptions
A Wyoming intermediate permit holder drives only from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. with one non-family passenger under 18. See the exceptions, the fee and the penalty.
Colorado 50-Hour Driving Log, 12-Month Permit Hold, Behind-the-Wheel Rule
Under 18 in Colorado, you hold your permit 12 months and log 50 hours, 10 at night. See who signs the log, the 6-hour school rule and the 30-mile exemption.
Florida Driving Test: Class E Skills Test Maneuvers and Vehicle Check
The Florida Class E Driving Skills Test is a set of maneuvers, such as a three-point turn and backing 50 feet. See what your car needs and the $20 retest fee.
Maine Driver's Ed Requirements: Who Needs It and When to Start
Who must take driver education in Maine, the age to start at 15, what the 60-day certificate permits and who can teach the course.