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
Maryland Provisional License Rules: Midnight Curfew, Passengers, Phones
See the Maryland provisional license limits: midnight to 5 a.m. curfew, passengers under 18, phone rules, and how to get a full license at 18.
What to Bring to the Michigan Secretary of State for a First License
The documents for a first Michigan license or ID: legal presence, Social Security number, identity and two residency proofs, plus fees, SAVE and REAL ID.
New Hampshire Youth Operator Restrictions: Curfew and Passengers
A New Hampshire youth operator may not drive from 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. See the passenger limit, the fines, when the limits end and the under-18 phone rule.
Newfoundland Class 5II Novice Licence: Night and Passenger Rules
Newfoundland and Labrador Class 5II rules: 12 months at Level II, 0% BAC, night and passenger limits, the work exemption, suspensions and the CAD 125 fee.
NJ 6 Points of ID: What to Bring to the MVC for a Permit or License
See what New Jersey asks you to bring to the MVC: 6 Points of ID, proof of address, an SSN, ITIN or affidavit, and form BA-208. Learn what changes for REAL ID.
North Dakota Restricted License at 15: Curfew, Phone and Vehicle Rules
A North Dakota restricted Class D license lets a 15-year-old drive alone. See the steps to get it, the curfew, the phone ban and which cars are allowed.
Nevada Drivers Ed and the 50-Hour Driving Log: What Teens Need
Does your teen need drivers ed in Nevada? Most under 18 do: a course plus 50 hours of practice, 10 at night, logged on the DLD-130 form or the RoadReady app.
New Mexico Full Driver's License for Teens: When the Limits End
A New Mexico teen can get a full license after 12 months on the provisional license, plus 30 days per violation. See who signs and the $18 and $34 fees.
NY Junior License (Class DJ) Rules: NYC, Long Island and Upstate
A Class DJ junior license has different rules in New York City, on Long Island and upstate: hours, supervision, passengers, seat belts and penalties.
What to Bring to the BMV for Your Ohio Temps (TIPIC Documents)
See which documents prove your name, date of birth, Social Security number, Ohio address and legal presence for an Ohio TIPIC, and what a minor and a non-citizen bring.
Oklahoma Drive Test: What to Bring, What's on It and Retest Rules
Oklahoma drive test: a 5-mile route of about 20 minutes. See what to bring, the car checklist, who can test, and the retest rules after a fail.
Rhode Island Provisional License Rules: 1 a.m. Curfew, Passenger Limit
Rhode Island provisional license holders may drive alone from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. See the exceptions, the one-passenger limit, the fines and how to qualify.