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
Driving in Florida With a Foreign License: Visitors and License Exchange
Visitors can drive in Florida on a valid license from their home country. See when you must get a Florida license, who may skip tests, and what to bring.
Getting Your First Hawaii Driver's License at 18 or Older
Starting at 18 or older with no license? In Honolulu you get an instruction permit first, then a road test. See the steps, the fees and who may supervise you.
Maine Cell Phone Driving Law: Hands-Free Rules, Teens and Fines
No, you cannot hold your phone while you drive in Maine, even at a red light. See who may use hands-free, the emergency exception, and the fines.
Foreign Driver’s License in Maryland: Exchange Countries and Tests
Exchange a foreign license at a Maryland MVA appointment. See which countries skip the knowledge and driving tests, what to bring and the expired-license rules.
Moving to Michigan: How to Transfer Your Driver's License
Michigan gives new residents no grace period. See when to apply, what to bring, whether you need a test, and what to do if your old license expired or you are under 18.
Moving to North Carolina: Get Your NC Driver's License Within 60 Days
New in North Carolina? NCDMV says you have 60 days to get a license. See the tests, documents, old license and car registration steps.
Foreign Driver's License in New Hampshire: Tests and Steps to Switch
In New Hampshire to study or work? See who can get a New Hampshire license, the three tests, the papers to bring and how long the license lasts.
Driving in New Jersey With a Foreign License (Students and Visitors)
Drive in New Jersey on a foreign license: the 1-year visitor rule, when you need an IDP, which countries skip the tests and how to get a NJ license.
Foreign Driver's License and International Students in North Dakota
Can you drive in North Dakota on a foreign license? Learn the 60-day rule, how student status counts, the IDP, documents, test languages and fees.
Can International Students Drive in Nevada? License Rules Explained
Can international students drive in Nevada? See the DMV rules for out-of-state students, visa holders, Limited Term cards, documents, tests and fees.
Foreign Driver's License in New Mexico: Tests and Steps to Switch
Move to New Mexico with a foreign license? See the tests you take, what happens to your old license, REAL ID and Standard license choices, and NATO rules.
Foreign Driver's Licence in Newfoundland: Exchange Countries and Tests
Find out if you can exchange your foreign licence in Newfoundland and Labrador with no tests, which countries qualify, and what you do if yours does not.